Geostrophic current is a type of ocean current that is driven primarily by the balance between the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force. In essence, these currents arise when there is a difference in water pressure across horizontal distances in the ocean, typically due to variations in temperature and salinity that lead to changes in density.

Low-latitude western boundary currents are strong ocean currents that flow along the western boundaries of major ocean basins in tropical and subtropical regions. These currents are primarily driven by the trade winds and the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect) and are characterized by their warm water temperatures and relatively narrow, fast-flowing nature.

"Moby-Duck" is a term that often refers to both a specific event involving the release of rubber ducks into the ocean and the book that chronicles this incident. In 1992, a shipping container filled with thousands of plastic bath toys, including rubber ducks, was accidentally released into the Pacific Ocean. Over time, these toys began to wash up on shores across the world, providing scientists and researchers with insights into ocean currents, pollution, and marine biology.

The exploration of the Indian Ocean refers to the historical and contemporary efforts to survey, study, and understand the ocean and its myriad features, ecosystems, and maritime routes. This exploration has unfolded over centuries and includes a range of activities such as navigation, trade, scientific research, and environmental studies. Here are some key aspects of Indian Ocean exploration: ### Historical Context 1. **Ancient Trade Routes**: The Indian Ocean has been crucial for trade since antiquity.

The concept of latitude has a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and early astronomers. Latitude is the geographical coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface, expressed in degrees, with the equator at 0° and the poles at 90° north and south. ### Ancient Development 1. **Early Understanding**: Ancient cultures had a rudimentary understanding of the concept of latitude.

The Global Ocean Sampling Expedition (GOSE) is a scientific initiative aimed at understanding the diversity and functionality of microbial communities in the world's oceans. Launched by the Craig Venter Institute in 2003, the expedition involved the collection of water samples from various locations across the oceans. The primary goal was to explore and document the vast genetic diversity of marine microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, and viruses.

The NOAAS Okeanos Explorer Gulf of Mexico 2018 Expedition was a scientific research mission conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aboard the research vessel NOAAS Okeanos Explorer. This expedition focused on exploring and mapping the deep-sea environment of the Gulf of Mexico, particularly around the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

The Valdivia Expedition, conducted between 1536 and 1540, was a significant expedition led by the Spanish explorer Pedro de Valdivia. The primary aim of the expedition was to explore and conquer the territories in present-day Chile, following the earlier conquests in Peru. Valdivia, initially a soldier in the conquest of Peru under Francisco Pizarro, sought to establish Spanish control over the region south of the Inca Empire.

Argo is a type of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) designed for underwater exploration and research. Specifically, the term "Argo" is often associated with the Argo II and other models developed by various organizations for marine and oceanographic studies. These vehicles are typically equipped with cameras, sensors, and various scientific instruments to collect data and capture visuals of the underwater environment.

The N.Z. Oceanographic Institute, officially known as the National Institute of Oceanography, is a scientific organization in New Zealand focused on oceanographic research. It conducts studies related to the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of oceans surrounding New Zealand and the South Pacific. The institute plays a critical role in understanding ocean dynamics, marine ecosystems, and environmental changes affecting oceanic regions.

A Nansen bottle is a specialized device used in oceanography to collect water samples from various depths in the ocean. Named after the Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen, the bottle is designed to capture water without contamination and is essential for studying the physical, chemical, and biological properties of seawater. The typical Nansen bottle consists of a cylindrical container with a mechanism that allows it to be closed at both ends. When deployed from a ship, the bottle is lowered to the desired depth.

RRS Discovery (2012) is a British polar research vessel commissioned by the National Environment Research Council (NERC) and operated by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). This ship is named after the original RRS Discovery, which was launched in 1901 and was part of Robert Falcon Scott's first Antarctic expedition. The 2012 version of RRS Discovery was designed specifically for scientific research, allowing for extensive marine and environmental studies in polar regions.

SeaWiFS, or the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor, was a NASA satellite instrument designed to monitor oceanic and atmospheric properties. Launched in September 1997 aboard the OrbView-2 satellite, SeaWiFS was primarily focused on measuring ocean color, which is essential for understanding plankton distribution, chlorophyll concentration, and overall ocean health. The satellite utilized a scanning radiometer that captured data in multiple wavelengths of light.

A research vessel is a specialized ship designed and equipped for conducting scientific research and exploration in marine environments. These vessels are used by scientists and researchers to study various aspects of the ocean, including its physical, biological, and chemical properties. Research vessels can be involved in a range of activities, such as: 1. **Marine Biology**: Studying marine organisms and ecosystems. 2. **Oceanography**: Examining ocean currents, water properties, and the seabed.

The Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is a research facility operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. Located in Miami, Florida, AOML focuses on oceanographic and meteorological research, particularly as it pertains to understanding and predicting ocean and atmospheric processes.

The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) is a leading research and educational institution located in St. George's, Bermuda. It is dedicated to the study of ocean science, particularly in the context of the North Atlantic Ocean and its ecosystems. BIOS conducts research on various aspects of marine science, including oceanography, marine biology, and environmental science.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is a nonprofit research institution located in East Boothbay, Maine, focused on advancing knowledge of the oceans and their role in the global ecosystem. Founded in 1974, the laboratory conducts fundamental and applied research in marine science, emphasizing the interactions between marine organisms and their environments. The research at Bigelow Laboratory includes various areas such as phytoplankton ecology, ocean biogeochemistry, microbial oceanography, and climate change impacts on marine systems.

The Center for Ocean Exploration and Archaeological Oceanography (COE-AO) is a research institution that focuses on the intersection of ocean exploration and archaeological research, particularly in underwater environments. It is typically affiliated with academic organizations, such as universities or marine research institutes, and aims to investigate and preserve underwater cultural heritage, as well as to explore the physical and biological aspects of ocean environments.

The Coastal Waters Laboratory (CWL) is typically a research facility focused on the study of coastal ecosystems, marine biology, and environmental science. Such laboratories often engage in a variety of activities, including monitoring water quality, studying marine organisms, and conducting research on the impacts of human activities and climate change on coastal environments. Institutions operating Coastal Waters Laboratories may work in collaboration with universities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.

Fisheries Research Services (FRS) was a scientific research organization in the United Kingdom that focused on the study and management of marine and freshwater fisheries. Operating primarily in Scotland, FRS conducted a wide range of research activities related to fish populations, ecosystems, and sustainable fishing practices. Its objectives included assessing fish stocks, understanding the impacts of fishing on marine environments, and providing scientific advice to inform fishery management policies.