Focussing on the sea floor, including continental slopes and shelves, marine geologists explore the processes that are responsible for the creation of benthic formations such as oceanic ridges and trenches. Through their sampling, marine geologists look to understand the dynamic sea floor processes such as spreading, tectonic plate movement, and ocean circulation.

Marine Biologists focus on the study of living organisms that inhabit saltwater environments, including oceans, wetlands, and estuaries. Organisms that are the focus on marine biologist studies can range from microscopic zooplankton to giants like the blue whale, and often cross over with chemistry, ecology, microbiology, botany, genetics, fisheries law and more.

A marine chemist focusses their study on the chemicals and processes that contribute to key processes within the world's oceans. Cycling of key elements such as inorganic and organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and iron underpin much of the work of a marine chemist, with their work encompassing both naturally occurring and anthropogenic chemicals.

The fundamental physical processes that underpin the marine environment are the focus of study for the marine physicist. Studies undertaken within this area are often focussed on the behaviour of waves within the ocean - whether they be of sound, light, or radio origin - and underpins much of the knowledge we have regarding the ocean's role in climate change.