Knowledge of the ocean and understanding the processes within it requires a fusion of research in biology, chemistry, geology, physics, meteorology and geography. Oceanographic research at MSI draws scientists from all of these disciplines to investigate issues pertaining to ocean circulation, primary production, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, paleoceanography and paeleoclimate. MSI Oceanographers work locally in the Santa Barbara Channel as well as in areas ranging from the polar waters of Antarctica and Alaska and to tropical seas in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Habitats of study range from the shallow waters of coastal margins to the open ocean and deep sea hydrothermal vents.