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About Oceanography

The Department of Oceanography at National Sun Yat-sen University holds a prominent position in geoscience research and science education in East Asia and South Asia. By studying the interconnections among the ocean, atmosphere, and land, we seek solutions to environmental challenges. We lead research across various fields, including climate change impacts and adaptation, disaster resilience, pollution investigation, marine biodiversity and conservation, ocean and human well-being and health, national security, and innovations in observation technology.

1. Mass Coral Bleaching

Coral reef ecosystems occupy less than one-thousandth of the global ocean area, yet they harbor more than 25% of all marine species. Coral death signifies the collapse of coral reef ecosystems. Many believe that mass coral bleaching is caused by rising seawater temperatures—but is this true? The Red Sea maintains consistently high water temperatures year-round, yet it remains a habitat for many coral species.

  • 【珊瑚白化】白色珊瑚海(上篇)：台灣40年來，最嚴重且規模最大的珊瑚白化，海洋究竟發生什麼事？ Watch Video ›
  • 【珊瑚白化】白色珊瑚海(下篇)：若高溫持續，繽紛珊瑚世界復原將是條漫漫長路 Watch Video ›
  • 珊瑚礁白化現象 Watch Video ›
  • How Scientists Are Restoring The Great Barrier Reef Watch Video ›
2. What Causes Global Ocean Surface Warming?

Many believe that ocean surface warming causes coral bleaching and the extinction of many species. Is ocean surface warming a result of the greenhouse effect? If so, how can we remove CO₂ from the atmosphere? Could we pump cold water from the deep sea to the surface to cool it down?

3. Natural Mechanisms of Deep Cold Water Upwelling: Internal Waves and Typhoon Disturbances

Both internal waves and typhoons can bring cold water from the deep ocean to the surface. Internal waves have various causes, with ocean currents being one of them. Ocean currents enable many marine organisms to travel long distances—but could ocean currents ever stop? If the North Atlantic Warm Current weakens or stops, what impact would it have on Northern Europe's climate? Why do Northern Europeans often promote awareness about polar bears facing extinction while rarely mentioning the effects of climate change on Northern Europeans themselves?

4. Photosynthesis in the Ocean

Half of global photosynthesis that absorbs CO₂ occurs in the ocean, with planktonic microalgae as the main contributors. These microalgae are also the primary producers in many ecosystems, serving as a food source for consumers. Is it possible for us to promote massive microalgae growth in the ocean?

5. Particulate Organic Carbon in the Ocean

What happens to dead microalgae and protozoa that gradually sink to the seafloor without being eaten by other organisms? Will they decompose into CO₂ and return to the atmosphere?

  • Terrestrial exports of dissolved and particulate organic carbon affect nearshore ecosystems of the Pacific coastal temperate rainforest Watch Video ›
  • Microbial Carbon Pump in a changing ocean: building models for the future Watch Video ›
  • Particulate Organic Carbon in the Tropical Usumacinta River, Southeast Mexico: Concentration, Flux, and Sources Read More ›
  • A Comparison of Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) from In situ and Satellite Ocean Color Data Off the Coast of Antarctica Amanda Hyde Antonio Mannino Read More ›
6. Deep-Sea Black Smokers

The discovery of deep-sea black smokers has profoundly influenced scientists' understanding of the origin of life, extremophile organisms, and seawater chemistry. Why are hydrothermal vents considered one of the possible sites for the origin of life? What organisms can survive in the extreme environments around hydrothermal vents? How do large-scale hydrothermal eruptions affect elemental cycles in seawater?

7. Ocean Acidification

CO₂ is not only a greenhouse gas but also an acidic gas. As the ocean absorbs increasing amounts of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, seawater pH decreases year by year—a phenomenon known as ocean acidification. How fast is ocean acidification occurring? Is there a limit? What impacts does it have on marine ecosystems?

The examples above represent only a small portion of marine science research. Marine science addresses a wide range of topics, spanning from natural sciences to humanities and social sciences. Our department welcomes students who are committed to improving humanity's future.

Further Reading
  • 海洋系的出路在哪？如何學以致用？──過來人分享「冷門科系」的藍海策略 Read More ›
  • 別人的熱門科系，我的「慘劇」！轉系離開電機系，旅程才真正啟航 Read More ›