Foundations of Ocean Systems

This unit introduces the physical, chemical, geological, and biological foundations of ocean environments, including ocean zones, plate tectonics, waves, currents, and key marine ecosystems. Students will also survey major marine taxa, the role of microbes and primary producers, and basic human interactions, laws, and indicators of ocean health to prepare for applied management and conservation work in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the ocean’s physical and chemical properties and processes (e.g., salinity, temperature, density, waves, currents, plate tectonics) using provided data and models to explain the formation of major ocean features and zones
• Apply taxonomic and ecological criteria to identify and classify representative marine organisms (microbes, algae, porifera, cnidarians, mollusks, crustaceans, fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals) and map their distributions to appropriate horizontal and vertical habitat zones
• Demonstrate techniques for assessing ocean health by interpreting basic monitoring data (sea surface temperature, pH, sea level trends, species occurrence, and fisheries catch data) and summarizing implications for ecosystems and seafood resources
• Evaluate human interactions, governance systems, and mitigation strategies by comparing the effects of climate change, habitat alteration, and resource use and proposing at least two evidence-based actions to reduce carbon footprint or enhance coastal resilience