Oceans: An Illustrated Reference.

OCEANS: An Illustrated Reference

DORRIK STOW

Today, water covers more than 70 percent of the planet, yet much about the ocean's depths remains unknown. Stow offers an illustrated guide to our current knowledge about the ocean and its role in sustaining Earth's climate and life. A detailed introduction outlines the role that oceans have played in human society, as the barriers and then the means to massive migrations. The seas have also been critical inspirations for culture and folklore. Stowe, a professor of ocean and earth science in England, outlines the history of ocean science and explains modern oceanographic techniques. The book's first section, "Ocean Systems," describes physical characteristics, including plate tectonics and the various changes that oceans have undergone over hundreds of millions of years. The second portion of the book includes maps of the four major oceans and provides data on each one. The third section focuses on ocean life. Finally, the book describes people's impact on Earth's oceans. Each section includes a list of key terms. Univ. Chicago Press, 2005, 255 p., color plates, hardcover, $55.00.