Invitation to Oceanography, Third Edition provides students with a fundamental overview of the four major branches of ocean science: geology, chemistry, physics, and biology. The approach used is a broad one, relying on basic concepts to explain the ocean's many mysteries. Anybody -- whether sailor, surfer, beachcomber, or student -- can learn about the processes and creatures of the oceans by reading this visually exciting book.

The world's oceans account for roughly 71 percent of the planet's surface and 99 percent of its livable volume. Any study of this huge habitat requires a solid foundation in the principles that underlie marine biology and physical and chemical oceanography, yet until now undergraduate textbooks have largely presented compilations of facts rather than explanations of principles. How the Ocean Works fills this gap, providing a concise and accessible college-level introduction to marine science that is also ideal for general readers. How are winds and currents driven? What is the dilemma of the two-layered ocean? Mark Denny explains key concepts like these in rich and fascinating detail. He explores early scientific knowledge of oceans, photosynthesis, trophic interactions and energy flow, and the impacts of human activities on marine and atmospheric systems. Focusing each chapter on a major topic and carefully explaining the principles and theory involved, Denny gives readers the conceptual building blocks needed to develop a coherent picture of the living ocean. How the Ocean Works is an indispensable resource that teaches readers how to think about the ocean--its biology, mechanics, and conservation. Provides a concise, up-to-date introduction to marine science Develops the conceptual basis needed to understand how the ocean works Explains fundamental principles and theory Includes color illustrations and informative diagrams Serves as a college textbook and a reference for general readers Some images inside the book are unavailable due to digital copyright restrictions.

Written by two leading oceanographers, Introducing Oceanography has rapidly established itself as a key introductory overview of its subject.

"This illustrated biography shares the story of female scientist, Marie Tharp, a pioneering woman scientist and the first person to ever successfully map the ocean floor"--

The new Fourth Edition of Invitation to Oceanography provides students with a complete, concise overview of how the ocean works, spanning the four major divisions of ocean science: geology, chemistry, physics, and biology. It's informal, conversational style and use of familiar analogies make this text appropriate for a broad range of readers. With cutting-edge material, including such hot topics as Hurricane Katrina, and a wealth of new updates and end of chapter material, Pinet's latest edition is the most up-to-date text available!