Areas of Research
WHOI maintains unparalleled depth and breadth of expertise across a range of oceanographic research areas. Institution scientists and engineers work collaboratively within and across six research departments to advance knowledge of the global ocean and its fundamental importance to other planetary systems. At the same time, they also train future generations of ocean scientists and address problems that have a direct impact in efforts to understand and manage critical marine resources.
Climate & Ocean
The global ocean is one of the primary actors in Earth's vast, interconnected climate system.
Coastal Science
The narrow region where land and ocean meet is among the most complex and dynamic parts of Earth.
Hazards
Many natural hazards we experience on land have their root in the ocean.
Ocean Chemistry
The chemistry of the ocean is both a tool to understand its inner workings and a reason why life exists on Earth.
Ocean Circulation
Currents and circulation systems make the global ocean a singular, interconnected part of our planet.
Ocean Life
From microbes to whales, life in the ocean is diverse, complex, and often beautiful.
Ocean Resources & Policy
The global ocean is one of the primary actors in Earth's vast, interconnected climate system.
Polar Systems
The global ocean is one of the primary actors in Earth's vast, interconnected climate system.
Pollution
When human activity in the ocean goes awry, ocean science can help explain possible impacts.
Seafloor & Below
The global ocean is one of the primary actors in Earth's vast, interconnected climate system.
Tools & Technology
The specialized equipment scientists use to study the ocean is a critical part of what we have been able to learn.
» Labs & programs
» Center for Marine Robotics
» Ocean topics
Underwater Archaeology
The global ocean is one of the primary actors in Earth's vast, interconnected climate system.