The International Indian Ocean Expedition (1960-65) has for the first time provided a sufficiently complete data set to support an investigation of the oceanographic and climatic seasonal influence on Indian Ocean thermal structure in the upper 500 m and north of 40 degrees S lat. Analysis of 23,847 bathythermograph and Nansen Cast measurements form the basis for a division of the Indian Ocean into 32 separate Primary Areas with distinct thermal features. The basic thermal parameters considered in the analysis and depicted graphically in this report include mixed-layer depth, maximum thermal gradient, five parameters of the permanent thermocline, and 2C-interval isotherm depths to 500 m. The thermal structure within each oceanographic region is qualitatively evaluated in terms of the relative effects of net surface heat exchange, heat advection, and circulation dynamics. (Author).

Well-travelled divers all acknowledge that the best diving in the world is found in the warm waters of tropical Asia. No other region on earth presents such a rich variety of marine life, and none can boast as many different types of dive sites: tiny, isolated atolls, World War II wrecks draped in beautiful soft corals, shallow, bommie-filled fringing reefs and pinnacles, all swarming with fish and vibrant color. Diving in Southeast Asia is a comprehensive diving guide covering Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It presents in great detail the very best dive sites in the tropical western Pacific. Our seasoned diver-authors have an aggregate half-century of experience exploring these waters, and each site receives thorough coverage, including detailed maps, color photos, and a full description of access, conditions, and facilities. This Southeast Asia diving guide features: Practicalities: Detailed travel information for every budget, including accommodations, transportation, prices, seasons, and dive operators. Information: Local history, diving lore, site conditions, and more than 50 maps. Photography: More than 100 color photographs by top photographers.

A major concern among ecologists in and outside the ASEAN region is the degradation of the environment, and the overexploitation of freshwater and marine resources. There is as yet no indication that freshwater and marine resources are being managed on a sustainable basis, and loss of wetlands, whether freshwater swamps or mangrove swamps, is a major problem in the ASEAN region. Reclamation of mangrove swamps for aquaculture and agriculture seems to be a continuous activity here and the status of marine parks should also be examined in the light of recent resort development acitivities on small islands. This volume contains numerous recommendations for the promotion of ecological studies and regional cooperation in marine, freshwater ecology and conservation, with special emphasis on the common water masses like the Strait of Malacca, Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea.