Marine physics of Xiamen University is a science that studies the physical phenomena and their changing laws in the ocean and the interaction between ocean water and atmosphere, lithosphere and biosphere by using the theories, techniques and methods of physics. It is an important branch of marine science, closely related to atmospheric science, marine chemistry, marine geology and marine biology, and has important applications in marine transportation, resource development, environmental protection, military activities, coastal facilities and submarine engineering.

As an independent branch of marine science, marine physics began at the end of 19, but the development history of some branches can be traced back to the embryonic era of physical geography and oceanography. The development history of marine physics can be summarized into three stages: ocean exploration; Early theoretical research and development of observation instruments; Modern oceanography.