Scripps Institution of Oceanography facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Former names	Marine Biological Association of San Diego Scripps Institution for Biological Research
Type	Public
Established	1903
Parent institution	University of California San Diego
Director	Margaret Leinen
Academic staff	415
Administrative staff	800
Postgraduates	350
Location	La Jolla , California , US 32°51′56″N 117°15′13″W / 32.865437°N 117.253626°W / 32.865437; -117.253626

A view of Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 2011, taken from the Birch Aquarium.

Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a famous place for studying the ocean and Earth sciences. It is part of the University of California, San Diego, located in La Jolla, California.

It started in 1903. Since joining the University of California in 1912, Scripps has grown a lot. Today, it studies the ocean's physics, chemistry, geology, and biology. It also looks at how the ocean affects Earth's climate.

History of Scripps Oceanography

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography began in 1903. It was first called the Marine Biological Association of San Diego. This was an independent lab for studying sea life.

A group from the San Diego Chamber of Commerce helped start it. Fred Baker, a doctor who loved seashells, led the group. He asked William Emerson Ritter, a Zoology professor from the University of California, to lead the new lab.

Two kind people, E. W. Scripps and Ellen Browning Scripps, gave money to support the institution. They paid for everything for the first ten years! It first opened in a boathouse at the Hotel del Coronado. In 1905, it moved to La Jolla, and then to its current spot in 1907.

In 1912, Scripps became part of the University of California. Its name changed to "Scripps Institution for Biological Research." Since 1916, scientists have taken daily measurements at its pier. The name changed again in 1925 to Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

In the 1960s, Roger Revelle, who was the director, helped create the University of California, San Diego. The new university was built on a hill overlooking Scripps.

Some of Scripps's early research ships had adventures. In 1936, the research vessel Scripps sank after an explosion. Another ship, the Loma, ran aground many years before.

In 1975, Scripps got land from the US Navy in Point Loma. This land is now called the Nimitz Marine Facility. It is where Scripps keeps its research vessels.

The Old Scripps Building, designed by Irving Gill, is a very important historical building. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1982.

In 2019, Scripps received money for a new 42-foot research vessel. It was named after Dr. John Beyster and his wife Betty. In 2023, a new building opened called the Ted and Jean Scripps Marine Conservation and Technology Facility.

What Scientists Study at Scripps

Scripps Institution of Oceanography researchers at sea

Scientists at Scripps study many things about the ocean and land. They look at the biology, physics, chemistry, and geology of the oceans. They also study how oceans interact with the atmosphere and affect climate. This research helps us understand our planet better.

Scripps offers college degrees for students who want to study these topics. Today, about 1,300 people work at Scripps. This includes many scientists and about 350 students. They have a large budget to support their important work.

Scripps uses a fleet of four research vessels to explore the oceans.

The research at Scripps covers many exciting areas, such as:

• Understanding different kinds of sea life and how to protect them.
• Studying the environment in California.
• Learning about Earth's chemistry and how planets form.
• Looking at Earth's history through time and space.
• Finding new ways to get energy and protect the environment.
• How the environment affects human health.
• Studying global change and monitoring the environment worldwide.
• Learning about natural hazards like earthquakes.
• Researching ice and climate.
• Creating new tools and technologies for science.
• Studying how different parts of the ocean interact.
• Learning about marine life.
• Using computers to create models and theories.
• Understanding sound and light in the sea.
• Studying ocean waves and currents.

How Scripps is Organized

Margaret Leinen became the Director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 2013. She is also the Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences and Dean of the Graduate School of Marine Sciences.

Scripps Oceanography has three main research groups:

• Biology
  • [Center for Marine Biotechnology & Biomedicine (CMBB)]
  • [Integrative Oceanography Division (IOD)]
  • [Marine Biology Research Division (MBRD)]
• Earth
  • [Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP)]
  • [Geosciences Research Division (GRD)]
• Oceans & Atmosphere
  • [Climate, Atmospheric Science & Physical Oceanography (CASPO)]
  • [Marine Physical Laboratory (MPL)]

California Sea Grant

Since 1973, California Sea Grant has been managed by Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This program helps fund research and education about California's coastal and marine resources.

Research Vessels

Scripps research vessel Roger Revelle

Scripps owns and uses several special ships and platforms for research:

• RV Roger Revelle
• RV Sally Ride
• RV Robert Gordon Sproul
• RV Bob and Betty Beyster

Future Hybrid Hydrogen Research Vessel

Scripps is planning a new coastal research vessel. It will replace the RV Robert Gordon Sproul, which has been in service since 1984. This new ship will be 125 feet long and will take about three years to build.

It will be the first hybrid-hydrogen research vessel in the UNOLS fleet. This means it will use hydrogen power for most of its operations. This project helps the University of California's goal to be carbon neutral.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium at Scripps, with the Village of La Jolla in the background

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a public aquarium. It's a fun place where you can explore the ocean! It has a Hall of Fishes with over 60 tanks. You can see Pacific fish and other sea creatures from cold waters to tropical areas.

There's also a big 13,000-gallon exhibit with local sharks and rays. You can even touch animals in the interactive tide pools. Plus, there are many hands-on science exhibits to learn from.

Famous Scientists at Scripps

Notable Alumni from Scripps

See also

• Array Network Facility
• RISE project
• The Scripps Research Institute, a nearby, but separate, medical research institute.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, a private, non-profit oceanographic research center in Moss Landing, California.
• Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, a group of marine research labs from the California State University System.
• Hopkins Marine Station, a similar research place run by Stanford University in Monterey, California.
• Hatfield Marine Science Center, a similar research place linked with the Oregon State University in Newport, Oregon.
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a similar research place in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.