|
|
Oceanography Merit Badge
Requirements
Source - Boy Scout Requirements 2006
Last Revised - January 1, 2004
- Name four branches of oceanography. Describe at least five reasons why it is important
for people to learn about the oceans.
- Define salinity, temperature, and density, and describe how these important properties of
seawater are measured by the physical oceanographer. Discuss the circulation and currents
of the ocean. Describe the effects of the oceans on weather and climate.
- Describe the characteristics of ocean waves. Point out the differences among the storm surge,
tsunami, tidal wave, and title bore. Explain the difference between sea, swell, and surf.
Explain how breakers are formed.
- Draw a cross-section of underwater topography. Show what is meant by:
- Continental shelf
- Continental slope, and
- Abyssal plains
Name and put on your drawing the following: seamount, guyot, rift valley, canyon, trench,
and oceanic ridge. Compare the depths in the oceans with the heights of mountains on land.
- List the main salts, gases, and nutrients in sea water. Describe some important properties of
water. Tell how the animals and plants of the ocean affect the chemical composition of seawater.
Explain how differences in evaporation and precipitation affect the salt content of the oceans.
- Describe some of the biologically important properties of seawater. Define benthos, nekton, and
plankton. Name some of the plants and animals that make up each of these groups. Describe the
place and importance of phytoplankton in the oceanic food chain.
- Do ONE of the following:
- Make a plankton net*. Tow the net by a dock, wade with it, hold it in a current, or tow it
from a rowboat. Do this for about 20 minutes. Save the sample. Examine it under a microscope
or high-power glass. Identify the three most common types of plankton in the sample.
- Make a series of models (clay or plaster and wood) of a volcanic island. Show the growth of
an atoll from a fringing reef through a barrier reef. Describe the Darwinian theory of coral
reef formation.
- Measure the water temperature at the surface, midwater, and bottom of a body of water four
times daily for five consecutive days. You may measure depth with a rock tied to a line. Make
a Secchi disk to measure turbidity (how much suspended sedimentation is in the water). Measure
the air temperature. Note the cloud cover and roughness of the water. Show your findings
(air and water temperature, turbidity) on a graph. Tell how the water temperature changes
with air temperature.
- Make a model showing the inshore sediment movement by littoral currents, tidal movement, and wave
action. Include such formations as high and low waterlines, low tide terrace, berm, and coastal
cliffs. Show how the offshore bars are built up and torn down.
- Make a wave generator. Show reflection and refraction of waves. Show how groins, jetties, and
breakwaters affect these patterns.
- Track and monitor satellite images available on the Internet for a specific location for three
weeks. Describe what you have learned to your counselor.
- Do ONE of the following:
- Write a 500-word report on any good book about oceanography approved by your counselor.
- Visit one of the following:
- an oceanographic research ship, or
- an oceanographic institute.
Write a 500-word report about your visit.
- Explain to your troop in a five minute prepared speech "Why Oceanography Is Important" or
describe "Career Opportunities in Oceanography." (Before making your speech, show your
speech outline to your counselor for approval.)
- Describe four methods that marine scientists use to investigate the ocean, underlying geology,
and organisms living in the water.
* May be done in lakes or streams
|
|
