The oceans occupy about 70% of the surface of the Earth, and are a major factor in climate regulation, food production, and biological diversity. The oceans are still poorly known because they were relatively inaccessible until modern technologies, such as ROVs and satellite-based monitors became available. Now, we can examine the deepest waters, monitor conditions over large areas in 'real time', and study the large scale processes that are critical for understanding and managing the oceans. This course will look at the physical processes, habitat types, and living forms in the oceans, and discuss the future prospects associated with climate change.

GRAHAM DABORN:

Graham Daborn is Professor Emeritus at Acadia University. He was a graduate of the University of Keele (UK) and the University of Alberta. He taught Biology at Acadia University from 1973 to 2004, and was the first Director of both the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research (ACER) and the Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment. He is an honorary researcher with ACER and the Acadia Tidal Energy Institute.