Physical oceanography is the study of physical processes such as waves, currents, tides, and ocean circulation. There are several synonyms for physical oceanography that relate to the different aspects of this field of study. For example, marine physics is another term that refers to studying the physical properties of the ocean, including its temperature, salinity, and density. Meanwhile, oceanography may also be referred to as physical geography or marine geography. Lastly, some may classify oceanography as a branch of geophysics, which is the study of the physical properties and behavior of the Earth. All in all, physical oceanography and its synonyms all seek to deepen our understanding of the vast and complex ocean system.