From the very beginning the foundations for our oceans were set forth when, on the third day of creation, the waters under the heavens were gathered into one place which God called Seas (Genesis 1:9-10). Centuries later, at the Flood, He again covered the land with water, until the fountains of the deep were closed and the water receded steadily from the earth. As the fountains closed, the ocean floor sank, forming new and much deeper ocean basins, permitting the continents to drain and emerge from the waters. Today’s oceans eloquently testify to God’s creative power, His judgment at the Flood, and His provision today. In this class, we will set a course to learn more about our magnificent oceans.
Oceanography Honors is the study of our oceans, including the physical, chemical and biological features. In this course we will mostly examine the physical and chemical aspects of the oceans. This is an honors course and will also incorporate and count as a lab science.
While there is no doubt that the wonders of the ocean make it fascinating to study, there are many practical reasons as well to chart a course through oceanography. Our oceans are one of God’s greatest gifts to the human population. It is a source of food, a source of medicine, a source of entertainment, and a source of human wealth.
The oceans are an amazing gift but they are also untamed and powerful which can cause issues. Tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters have wreaked havoc on our civilizations both past and present.
By choosing to study oceanography you are taking the first step to make full and wise use of the sea, to address the issues that the oceans sometimes create, and protect the gifts of the ocean by predicting and responding to the effects of human activities.