Overview

Two thirds of our planet is covered by oceans and seas. Over recent decades developments in ocean science have dramatically improved our understanding of the key role oceans play in the Earth System, and how vital they are for regulating global climate. Humans depend on the oceans for many resources, but at the same time their impacts on the marine systems around the world are of increasing concern. Introducing Oceanography has been written by two leading oceanographers to provide a succinct overview of the science of the study of the seas for students and for the interested adult wanting a topical guide to this enormous and complex subject. The initial chapters describe the oceans and the forces at work within them. The authors then discuss the effects of light, the chemistry of the seas and the food web before surveying biological oceanography in the main oceanic regions. The final chapter looks at the methodology of ocean study. Copiously illustrated, this book is intended for those whose interest in oceanography has been stimulated, perhaps by media coverage of declining resources or climate change and who want to know more. Technical terms are kept to a minimum and are explained in a glossary.

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9781780460956

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Reviews

Of the first edition: 'I have had the pleasure of reviewing a large number of the Introducing guides from Dunedin Academic Press... The format is always the same - authorative but easy to understand text, interspersed by bold, full colour diagrams and photographs. The planet is two-thirds covered by oceans and seas and the energy they contain massively affects the way the Earth system (especially climate) works. The nice thing about these guides is that the bite-sized nature of each chapter means you can dip in and out when you want to explore a particular subject, or you can sit down and read them in their entirety in only a few hours and feel that you really have learnt something by the time you have finished. For example, there is information on the chemistry, biology, the tides, waves, and so on in the one of oceanography. And, as always, the authors of both guides are experts in their fields.' Deposits magazine 'I would thoroughly recommend this book to any aspiring oceanographer or serious amateur. This is a very wide and complex subject that has been covered very well indeed and very attractively in such a short volume.' International Journal of the Society for Underwater Technology

'It is quite a readable, inclusive volume, providing a succinct introduction to the intricacies in the workings of our oceans, well supported by text explanation, many clear and appropriate pho tographs and satellite images, and yellow boxes highlighting focused material, all of which help to cater for a range of readers. A concise but clear 'Glossary' adds detail to some technical terms and a useful 'Further Reading' section enables the reader access to the vast online literature and provides a useful springboard into the subject. The book is excellent value for money and will appeal to A level students, undergraduates and anyone, in fact, whose interest has been piqued by media articles, news reports or who has an inter est or concern for our planet.' Proceedings of the OUGS Of the first edition: 'I would thoroughly recommend this book to any aspiring oceanographer or serious amateur. This is a very wide and complex subject that has been covered very well indeed and very attractively in such a short volume.' International Journal of the Society for Underwater Technology

Author Information

Professor David N. Thomas works at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. David G. Bowers retired recently from the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Wales.

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