The ocean plays a central role in physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes on Earth. The field of marine science thus requires an understanding of the interactions between the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere. Some examples of the current research directions of societal concern in the marine sciences include: the role of the ocean in climate change, the ocean's role in climate phenomena such as El Nio and La Nia (and their effect on modern marine ecosystems), the history of El Nio and other climatic/oceanographic events recorded in marine sediments and corals, coastal pollution and its effect on coastal marine ecosystems, and coastal erosion (natural and human-caused).<br><br>Potential Careers:<br>Academia<br>Education<br>Environmental Law<br>Film<br>Journalism<br>Marine Archaeologist<br>Marine Biology<br>Photography<br>Scientific Journalism