Oceanography

General introduction of Oceanography with emphasis on the historical setting, the origin of Ocean basins, marine sedimentation, wind and ocean circulation, waves and tides. The main marine ecosystems like coastal systems (beaches, mangroves, salt marshes, estuaries, coral reefs), and extreme environments like abyssal sites and trenches, hydrothermal vents, polar seas, deep-sea corals will be dealt with including aspects of habitat characterization, biogeochemical and physical processes, gradients, structural and functional biodiversity, food web structure, productivity, adaptations, and temporal and spatial variability will be included. Impact studies will be illustrated as well such as : fisheries, aquaculture, disturbance, pollution and climate change en conservation.

Field trips (boat excursions on the North Sea) are included and serve as the basis for the practical exercises