Understanding Oceans 1999
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Linda Duvoisin
Director n/a
VHS, color, 30 min.
High School - Adult
Environmental Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Barbara Butler, University of Oregon Institute of Marine BiologyOceans cover three quarters of the earth's surface, yet we know little about the complexities of ocean circulation and ocean life. Understanding Oceans describes our current knowledge of ocean science, and profiles the scientific process as it applies to oceanography. The video begins by describing the historical study of oceanography, including technological limitations, and highlights advances in technology that have occurred over the past fifty years.
The modern science of oceanography involves chemists, biologists, physicists, engineers, marine ship experts, geologists, meteorologists, and earth and space scientists. "Understanding Oceans" delivers an accurate picture of modern oceanography and illustrates how each of these scientific disciplines adds to our knowledge of ocean life and ocean circulation. To illustrate the scale that oceanographic studies can take and the interdisciplinary nature of the science, the video also includes a segment on the Ocean Drilling Program, a study undertaken by thirty cooperating nations.
The development of remotely operated vehicles (ROV's) has changed the nature of oceanographic research and Understanding Oceans includes footage of some of the newest models of both manned and unmanned submarines. To balance this, the film also illustrates how oceanographic research is carried out using techniques ranging from standard shipboard sampling to satellite imagery.
Understanding Oceans makes use of some computer-generated graphics to illustrate seabed topography and while they are not stunning they do convey the varied topography that can be associated with the ocean floor. The video footage, primarily from the Southampton Oceanographic Center, is authentic and descriptive. The presentation flows nicely and the video does a good job of covering this complex discipline in an interesting fashion. It includes excellent film footage and viewers will enjoy the spectacular shots of hydrothermal vent and bioluminescent deep-sea fauna.
Geared towards a junior-high to adult level audience, this film provides an excellent overview of the history and study of oceanography. I highly recommend this video to all junior-high, high school and public libraries. It is an appropriate addition to any marine or oceanographic laboratory that does public education or outreach with K-12 students and will be a valuable tool in career education courses as it delivers an accurate description of modern oceanography.