Today’s Voyages and Oceanography

Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury, U.S. Navy

The modern oceanography period began in 1925 with the voyage of the German boat Meteor. Oceanography flourished after 1951 with fascinating new branches and countless studies by many different countries making their own explorations and discoveries. Modern oceanography continues today with the launching of the Aquarius satellite in 2010.

Although a complete history of world oceanography is beyond the scope of this course, in this topic you'll get to know several of the major efforts by the United States that will bring you up-to-date and perhaps inspire you to continue the great tradition of oceanographic exploration for many years to come!

Essential Questions

• What was the importance of the German Meteor voyage?
• What was the first U.S. vessel to help in the study of oceanography?
• What were the major accomplishments in oceanography from 1951 until present?