Dramatic advances in understanding global tectonics have been made in the last half century and the information and specific data acquired on the floor of the World Ocean by the scientific community probably has exc- ded that available in all previous time. With the benefit of new technology and advanced concepts in the earth sciences extensive exploration of the deep seabed became possible, and has been carried out in many parts of the world. Many features have been recognized and data recorded that are vital for understanding the fundamental processes that shape the earth=s surface and control the habitable environment. The data collected to date on the o- an floor and its physical environment greatly exceeds our understanding and appreciation of their fundamental importance in the earth sciences, and our ability to apply this knowledge effectively in improving our way of life. With his extensive scientific knowledge and unique experience from - ny cruises in association with scientists throughout the world, Dr. Evgeny Gurvich has made an outstanding contribution in acquiring basic data on hydrothermal and sedimentation processes in the ocean, as well as in the synthesis of data and concepts available from cruise reports and an extensive literature.

The Halophiles 2013 meeting is a multidisciplinary international congress, with a strong history of regular triennial meetings since 1978. Our mission is to bring researchers from a wide diversity of investigation interests (e.g., protein and species evolution; niche adaptation, ecology, taxonomy, genomics, metagenomics, horizontal gene transfer, gene regulation; DNA replication, repair and recombination; signal transduction; community assembly and species distribution; astrobiology; biotechnological applications; adaptation to radiation, desiccation, osmotic stress) into a single forum for the integration and synthesis of ideas and data from all three domains of life, and their viruses, yet from a single environment; salt concentrations greater than seawater. This cross-section of research informs our understanding of the microbiological world in many ways. The halophilic environment is extreme, especially above 10% NaCl, restricting life solely to microbes. The microorganisms that live there are adapted to extreme conditions, and are notable for their ability to survive high doses of radiation and desiccation. Therefore, the hypersaline environment is a model system (both the abiotic, and biologic factors) for insightful understanding regarding conditions and life in the absence of plant and animals (e.g., life on the early earth, and other solar system bodies like Mars and Europa). Lower salinity conditions (e.g., 6-10% NaCl) form luxuriant microbial mats considered modern analogues of fossilized stromatolites, which are enormous microbially produced structures fashioned during the Precambrian (and still seen today in places like Shark’s Bay, Australia). Hypersaline systems are island-like habitats spread patchily across the earth’s surface, and similar to the Galapagos Islands represent unique systems excellent for studying the evolutionary pressures that shape microbial community assembly, adaptation, and speciation. The unique adaptations to this extreme environment produce valuable proteins, enzymes and other molecules capable of remediating harsh human instigated environments, and are useful for the production of biofuels, vitamins, and retinal implants, for example. This research topic is intended to capture the breadth and depth of these topics.

Geochemical barrier zones play an important role in determining various physical systems and characteristics of the oceans, e.g. hydrodynamics, salinity, temperature and light. In this book, each of the 40 barrier zones covered are illustrated and defined by physical-chemical parameters. Among the topics discussed are the processes of inflow, transformation and precipitation of the sedimentary layer of the open oceans and more restricted areas such as the Baltic, Black and Mediterranean Seas. This well-illustrated book may serve as the basis for courses such as "Marine Geochemistry" or "Ocean Usage" and can be useful to researchers in the fields of geology, geography, marine chemistry, geoecology and hydrochemistry.

The major part of the world's high grade industrial manganese ore is being mined in supergene deposits. This book represents the first attempt to bring together not only academic but also commercial data on all aspects of the geochemistry of formation of supergene manganese ores. It is a distinctive account of the geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, experimental modelling studies, mechanisms of formation processes and geochemical evolution through geological time of manganese ores for all types of supergene deposits. Special emphasis is placed on the general geochemical model of supergene manganese ore formation, which can be applied in geochemical exploration. Despite the fact that supergene manganese ores have been used by mankind since the early centuries, it is only during the last decade that a comprehensive understanding of the nature of geochemical processes of formation of these deposits has become available and their potential as an economic resource has been recognized against other genetical types of manganese accumulations. Audience: This substantial and comprehensive volume is of interest to economic geologists, mining engineers, geochemists, mineralogists and other specialized geoscientists.