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Statistical methods, championed by Walter Munk, played a pivotal role in revolutionizing oceanography. By applying rigorous mathematical frameworks, Munk transformed the field from qualitative observations to precise, quantitative measurements. Notably, Munk's pioneering use of statistics made it possible to analyze vast sets of oceanic data, leading to breakthroughs in understanding tides, waves, and ocean circulation, thus solidifying oceanography as a data-driven scientific discipline.