What is "paleoceanography"

n. The study of the history of the oceans, especially their circulation, chemistry, biogeography, fertility, and sedimentation.

Paleoceanography is the study of the history of the oceans in the geologic past with regard to circulation, chemistry, biology, geology and patterns of sedimentation and biological productivity. Paleoceanographic studies using environment models and different proxies enable the scientific community to assess the role of the oceanic processes in the global climate by the re-construction of past climate at various intervals. Paleoceanographic research is also intimately tied to paleoclimatology.

Paleoceanography is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the American Geophysical Union. It covers the history of the ocean and its plant and animal life.