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Oceanography: a key to better understand our world
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 30 hours
  • Course by Universitat de Barcelona
  • Offered by

About

The course for a round the world regatta leads the boats through the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic, Southern Indian and South Pacific Oceans. On their voyage, the skippers come across a large variety of oceanographic situations: strong currents, floating ice, wave formations of every kind and biological diversity. In this course the student will learn about the foundations of the science of oceanography. You'll learn about the classification and formation of the ocean floor, how current sea satellite analysis systems work, the chemistry of the oceans and the processes that led to its formation. To follow this course does not require previous knowledge of oceanography.

Modules

Course Presentation

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Readings
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1 Videos

  • Video Course Presentation

2 Readings

  • Introduction
  • Course structure

1. Introduction to the module 1 (A and B)

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 1.0 Video Introduction

1 Readings

  • 1. Introduction to the module 1 (A and B)

1.1 The Mediterranean: a model of an ocean - Temperature, salinity and pressure

    • 1 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 1.1 Video Temperature, salinity, density

5 Readings

  • 1.1 The Mediterranean: a model of an ocean - Temperature, salinity and pressure
  • 1.1.1 Temperature
  • 1.1.2 Salinity
  • 1.1.3 Pressure
  • 1.1.4 Density and the T/S diagram

1.2 The annual hydrographic cycle opposite Barcelona

    • 2 Videos
    • 5 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 1A

2 Videos

  • 1.2.1 Video Introduction: Vertical profiles for T and S on the Catalan coast, NW Mediterranean.
  • 1.2.2 Video Vertical stability

5 Readings

  • 1.2 The annual hydrographic cycle opposite Barcelona
  • 1.2.1 Vertical profiles for T and S on the Catalan coast, NW Mediterranean.
  • 1.2.2 Vertical stability
  • 1.2.3 Stability gains and losses
  • 1.2.4 The construction and destruction of the thermocline

1.3 The formation of dense water and water masses

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 1.3 Video: The formation of dense water and water masses

1 Readings

  • 1.3 The formation of dense water and water masses

1.4 The Mediterranean a model of an ocean

    • 1 Videos
    • 3 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 1.4 Video: The Mediterranean a model of an ocean

3 Readings

  • 1.4 The Mediterranean a model of an ocean
  • 1.4.1 The Mediterranean, a negative estuary
  • 1.4.2 The circulation of the Mediterranean's main masses of water

1.5 Fundamental concepts of marine dynamics

    • 2 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 1B

2 Videos

  • 1.5.1 Video The pressure gradient force
  • 1.5.2 Video: The Coriolis Force

4 Readings

  • 1.5 Fundamental concepts of marine dynamics
  • 1.5.1 The “pressure gradient force”
  • 1.5.2 The Coriolis Force
  • 1.5.3 Dynamic topography and geostrophic circulation

2. Planet Earth is also 'planet water'

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • 2. Introduction Planet Earth is also 'planet water'

2.1.The Global Ocean

    • 4 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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4 Videos

  • 2.1.1 Video: From the Mediterranean to the ocean. Changing scales past Gibraltar
  • 2.1.2 Video: The water cycle on the planet
  • 2.1.3 Video: The confinement of the ocean and the freedom of the atmosphere. Exchanges of energy and evaporation. Heating and cooling. Consequences of ocean dynamics.
  • 2.1.4 Video: Vertical structure by density. Intrusions and intermediate waters

5 Readings

  • 2.1.The Global Ocean
  • 2.1.1 From the Mediterranean to the ocean. Changing scales past Gibraltar
  • 2.1.2 Water cycle on the planet
  • 2.1.3 The confinement of the ocean and the freedom of the atmosphere. Exchanges of energy and evaporation. Heating and cooling. Consequences of ocean dynamics.
  • 2.1.4 Vertical structure by density. Intrusions and intermediate waters

2.2 Ocean Circulation

    • 2 Videos
    • 4 Readings
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2 Videos

  • 2.2.1 Video Circulation, water masses and the internal structure of the oceans. Geostrophy or how ocean structure reflects circulation and how the circulation affects structure
  • 2.2.3 Video Wind-induced circulation. Ekman and upwelling.

4 Readings

  • Introduction Ocean Circulation
  • 2.2.1 Circulation, water masses and te internal structure of the oceans. Geostrophy or how ocean structure reflects circulation and how the circulation affects structure
  • 2.2.2 Thermohaline circulation. Water transport and the conveyor belt
  • 2.2.3 Wind-induced circulation. Ekman and upwelling.

2.3 Other scales of motion

    • 4 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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4 Videos

  • 2.3.1 Video Instabilities. Inertial motion. Mesoscale.
  • 2.3.2 Video Deep and intermediate water formation
  • 2.3.3 Video Climate impact. Heat distribution on the planet. Hidden heat.
  • 2.3.4 Video Non-linearity and instabilities: Niños and Niñas

5 Readings

  • 2.3 Introduction Other scales of motion
  • 2.3.1 Instabilities. Inertial motion. Mesoscale.
  • 2.3.2 Deep and intermediate water formation
  • 2.3.3 Climate impact. Heat distribution on the planet. Hidden heat.
  • 2.3.4 Non-linearity and instabilities: Niños and Niñas

2.4 The ocean as an environment. A sea full of life

    • 2 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 2

2 Videos

  • 2.4.1 Video A three-dimensional environment, with little or no visibility and no fixed references
  • 2.4.2 Video A sea full of life: the pelagic and benthic environments. Near to and far from the coast. In light and darkness.

3 Readings

  • 2.4 Introduction The ocean as an environment. A sea full of life
  • 2.4.1 A three-dimensional environment, with little or no visibility and no fixed references
  • 2.4.2 A sea full of life: the pelagic and benthic environments. Near to and far from the coast. In light and darkness.

3.1 What is remote sensing?

    • 3 Videos
    • 4 Readings
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3 Videos

  • Video: 3A. Introduction
  • 3.1.1 Video Can we do something similar for the ocean?
  • 3.1.2 Video Why do we want to use remote sensing for oceanography?

4 Readings

  • 3.1 What is remote sensing? Why do we want to observe the ocean from space?
  • 3.1.1 Can we do something similar for the ocean?
  • 3.1.2 Why do we want to use remote sensing for oceanography?
  • 3.1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of ocean remote sensing

3.2 Electromagnetic radiation emitted and reflected by the ocean

    • 1 Videos
    • 5 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 3A

1 Videos

  • 3.2.2 Video Sensing the ocean surface from a satellite

5 Readings

  • 3.2 Electromagnetic radiation emitted and reflected by the ocean
  • 3.2.1 Oceans and electromagnetic radiation
  • 3.2.2 Sensing the ocean surface from a satellite
  • 3.2.3 Sea Surface Temperature (SST)
  • 3.2.4 Ocean colour

3.3 A very interesting atmospheric window: the microwave domain

    • 2 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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2 Videos

  • 3.3.1 Video Microwave radiometers
  • 3.3.2 Video Sea surface salinity determined by microwaves

5 Readings

  • 3.3 A very interesting atmospheric window: the microwave domain
  • 3.3.1 Microwave radiometers
  • 3.3.2 Sea surface salinity determined by microwaves
  • 3.3.3 Sea ice observation and icebergs tracking
  • 3.3.4 Surface wind speed and direction

3.4 Active sensors: satellites that illuminate the oceans

    • 3 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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3 Videos

  • 3.4.3 Video How is this used in satellite oceanography?
  • 3.4.3.1 Video scatterometer wind vector retrieval
  • 3.4.4 Video Radar altimeter: the revolution in operational oceanography

5 Readings

  • 3.4 Active sensors: satellites that illuminate the oceans
  • 3.4.1 Lidar: using a laser to observe the ocean
  • 3.4.2 Radars: active sensors to illuminate the ocean through clouds
  • 3.4.3 Side-looking radars to image the ocean surface and quantify its roughness
  • 3.4.4 Radar altimeter: the revolution in operational oceanography

3.5 Other satellite applications in oceanography and final summary

    • 3 Videos
    • 5 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 3B

3 Videos

  • 3.5.1 Video Beyond satellite measurements: navigation and communications
  • 3.5.2 Video The Argo array of profiling floats
  • 3.5.3 Video Operational oceanography

5 Readings

  • 3.5 Other satellite applications in oceanography and final summary
  • 3.5.1 Beyond satellite measurements: navigation and communications
  • 3.5.2 The Argo array of profiling floats
  • 3.5.3 Operational oceanography
  • 3.5.4 Final summary

4. Ocean chemistry. Introduction

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • 4. Video Introduction: Ocean chemistry

4.1 Water, solutes and particles

    • 1 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 4.1 Video: Water, solutes and particles

5 Readings

  • 4.1 Water, solutes and particles
  • 4.1.1 General Introduction: A complex chemical plant with no pipes
  • 4.1.2 Water
  • 4.1.3 The chemical composition of sea water
  • 4.1.4 Solute or particle: chemistry and gravity

4.2 The biosphere's vertical axis and the vertical segregrations of the elements

    • 1 Videos
    • 4 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 4.2 Video The biosphere's vertical axis and the vertical segregrations of the elements

4 Readings

  • 4.2 The biosphere's vertical axis and the vertical segregrations of the elements
  • 4.2.1 Production: light, nutrients and organisms
  • 4.2.2 Vertical segregation and the role of auxiliary energy in production
  • 4.2.3 New production and recycled production

4.3 The carbon carbonate system

    • 1 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 4.3 Video The carbon carbonate system

5 Readings

  • 4.3 The carbon carbonate system
  • 4.3.1. Forms of inorganic carbon
  • 4.3.2 Processes which modify dissolved inorganic carbon
  • 4.3.3 Changes in alkalinity and pH
  • 4.3.4 CO2 exchanges with the atmosphere

4.4 The chemistry of the global ocean conveyor belt

    • 1 Videos
    • 5 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 4

1 Videos

  • 4.4 Video The chemistry of the global ocean conveyor belt

5 Readings

  • 4.4 The chemistry of the global ocean conveyor belt
  • 4.4.1 The vertical and horizontal segregation of the nutrient elements
  • 4.4.2 Apparent oxygen utilisation and the apparent production of nutrients
  • 4.4.3 Respiration, acidification and dissolution of carbonate
  • 4.4.4 The global ocean distribution of chemical elements of interest for life

5. The result of the evolution of the Earth's crust

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 5 Video: Introduction: The result of the evolution of the Earth's crust. Ocean basins

1 Readings

  • 5. Introduction:The result of the evolution of the Earth's crust.Ocean basins

5.1 The evolution of the Earth's crust. Ocean basins

    • 2 Videos
    • 3 Readings
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2 Videos

  • 5.1.1. Video: A bit of history
  • 5.1.2. Video The result of the evolution of the Earth's crust

3 Readings

  • 5.1.1. Some history
  • 5.1.2. The result of the evolution of the Earth's crust
  • 5.1.3 The diversity of the ocean domains: from continental margins to great trenches. The great ocean basins

5.2 Paleoceanography

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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5 Videos

  • 5.2.1 Video Paleoceanography Introduction
  • 5.2.2 Video The marine record of glacial and interglacial cycles of the Quaternary
  • 5.2.3 Video The role of the oceans in the rapid advance of climatic variability
  • 5.2.4 Video The Carbon cycle as feedback for climate change
  • 5.2.5 Video Summary

1 Readings

  • 5.2 Paleoceanography

5.3 Marine sediment distribution

    • 1 Videos
    • 4 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 5.3.1 Video The marine sediment system as a response to the conditions and evolution of the medium

4 Readings

  • 5.3 Marine sediment distribution
  • 5.3.1 The marine sediment system as a response to the conditions and evolution of the medium
  • 5.3.2 The conditioning factors for the distribution of terrigenous sediment and rates of sedimentation
  • 5.3.3 The marine sediment system as a response to conditions and the evolution of the environment

5.4 Typologies of marine biogenous and hydrogenous sediment

    • 2 Videos
    • 5 Readings
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2 Videos

  • 5.4 Video Typologies of marine biogenous and hydrogenous sediment
  • 5.4.1 Video Biogenous sediment

5 Readings

  • 5.4 Typologies of marine biogenous and hydrogenous sediment
  • 5.4.1 biogenous sediment
  • 5.4.2 Evaporite sediment and chemical precipitation (hydrogenous)
  • 5.4.3 Marine productivity and the preservation of organic matter in sediment
  • 5.4.4 Other deposits of interest

5.5 Important points along the BWR course and their oceanic and structural significance

    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 5

1 Readings

  • 5.5 Important points along the BWR course and their oceanic and structural significance

Auto Summary

Dive into "Oceanography: a key to better understand our world" and explore the fascinating science behind our oceans. Led by expert instructors from Coursera, this foundational course requires no prior knowledge and spans 1800 minutes of in-depth content. Learn about ocean floor formation, sea currents, satellite analysis, and ocean chemistry. Ideal for science and engineering enthusiasts, it offers flexible subscription options—Starter and Professional. Embark on this educational voyage and uncover the secrets of the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Southern Indian, and South Pacific Oceans.

Jordi Serra
Instructor

Jordi Serra