Ocean Chemistry

Ocean chemistry is the study of the composition and properties of seawater and the underlying processes that affect them. It is a cornerstone of oceanography, which is the study of the ocean and its interactions within the Earth system. Ocean chemistry is important for understanding the ocean’s role in climate change and the natural cycling of elements in the Earth system. It is also vital for tracking human-made pollutants, such as nutrient runoff and industrial emissions, as well as for understanding the interplay between ocean chemistry and biology as it relates to the food web, among other things.