Oceanography primarily deals with which subject?

Oceanography is the scientific study of the oceans, encompassing various aspects such as marine organisms, ocean currents, waves, tides, and the ocean's chemical and physical properties. This field is crucial for understanding how oceans interact with and influence climate, weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. By examining oceanic phenomena, oceanographers can investigate vital processes that affect all life on Earth, including nutrient cycling and energy flow within marine environments.

The other subjects mentioned in the choices, such as prehistoric life, the atmosphere and climate, and the composition of planets, belong to different realms of scientific inquiry. Prehistoric life aligns with paleontology, which studies ancient organisms and their environments. The atmosphere and climate connect more closely with atmospheric science and meteorology, which focus on weather patterns, climate systems, and air composition. The composition of planets pertains to planetary science and geology, examining the structure and formation of celestial bodies rather than ocean-specific studies.