Oceanography: A Journey in Search of Root

摘要

The seed of oceanography germinated out of man’s interest about the regions beneath the ocean surface as well as waves, the rise and fall of the tides and other coastal processes. Gradually this curiosity extended to the search for food, minerals, energy, oil and natural gas, which ultimately laid the foundation stone of oceanography. The early history of oceanography dates back to 7250 B.C. when sea trading used to occur between the Greek mainland and Aegian island of Melos. However, people in those days had very little concept on ocean piloting and vessel manufacturing technology. This made their voyages unsafe and risky particularly during storms, strong waves and other natural calamities. The period from 4000 to 2000 B.C. was the age of construction and the development of the art of ship building, ocean piloting etc. by the Egyptians and Polynesians.