Assessment Brief

Discussion- Geography
The Influence of the Ocean
Throughout this course, geography has focused around the concept of how
countries, regions, and people impact other regions and future events. In the
Austral and Pacific realms, however, there is an opportunity to examine how a
body of water impacts countries and people. In these realms, the Southern and
Pacific oceans are the major bodies of water that have influenced how people
flourished in this region, and what challenges they face today.
To prepare for this Discussion:
• Review pages 429, 372 (Distance), and 447 – 450 in The World Today: Concepts
and Regions in Geography (6th Ed.).
• Consider how the oceans surrounding the Austral and Pacific realms impact
those areas in terms of economy and global political relationships
• Reflect on how the growth of certain areas in the Austral and Pacific realms
will strengthen or weaken countries and cultures
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 3 an explanation of how the Southern and Pacific oceans have made
an impact on these realms’ economy, cultures, and politics. Start your
examination from pre-World War II and compare the influence of the ocean then
with what role it plays in today’s events.