Being a Marine Chemist
A Flexible and Interesting Career!
Job Description
They deal with chemical reactions that happen in the ocean (as well as the sea floor). They mainly study the chemical composition of water.
What A Marine Chemist Does
Work Conditions
Work conditions largely vary, as the temperatures and climates of areas reflecting the water are different (anything from tropical to arctic). The work conditions can also include research settings.
Activites
The activities regarding marine chemists vary. However, generally a Marine Chemist determine the chemical composition of bodies of water. Often these chemists do work with researchers however.
Areas involved
Marine chemistry involves many fielding including, “an understanding of physics, geology, and biology.” with chemistry.
More About Marine Chemists
Education
Entry level positions often require a bachelor’s degree, however many require a master’s or doctorate. Research mostly requires the highest education possible
Salary
The average salary of a marine chemist is $71,000 (The average chemist salary is 59,000 dollars)
Ability of Advance
Advancing can largely be influenced by the degree of the person working in the field. So to advance, the most likely way is to increase one’s degree.
Equipment
CTD
A tool which gives charting of the water temperature, density, and salinity. It is used by being lowered to the bottom of the ocean, in which there is a camera to observe, but while it is there it collects samples of water, and takes an amount of time to determine the wanted data.
Thermometer
Necessary to take the temperature of water which is relevant for determining the chemical makeup of the water. Used like an average thermometer (put into whatever trying to find the temp of without touching it while taking temp.)
Nansen Bottle
The Nansen bottle is used to collect water at specific depths. It is used by putting the bottle down to the appropriate depth, then activating the mechanism which collects the water.
Why Marine Chemistry Is Necessary
1. This career is necessary for research in other sectors of oceanography
2. Necessary for determining the chemical makeup of different ocean which is important for other sectors of oceanography
3. Necessary for studying organisms that are chemo-synthetic.
Current Need For Marine Chemists
There is a demand in a vast variety of sectors. For example there is a large need for marine chemists in oil related businesses.
Pros And Cons Of Being A Marine Chemist
Pros
1. Can work in a variety of locations
2. Has a higher salary than the average chemist
Cons-
1. Often requires a doctorate or master’s degree
2. Is very multidisciplinary.