An Introduction To Marine Science

Oceanography and Marine Biology preserves the basic elements of the physical, chemical, and geological aspects of the marine sciences, and merges those fundamentals into a broader framework of marine biology and ecology. Existing textbooks on oceanography or marine biology address the companion field only cursorily: very few pages in oceanography texts are devoted to marine biology, and vice versa. This new book overcomes that imbalance, bringing these disparate marine science text formats closer together, giving them more equal weight, and introducing more effectively the physical sciences by showing students with everyday examples how such concepts form the foundation upon which to build a better understanding of the marine environment in a changing world. Lecturer supplements will also be available.

It is now nine years since the first edition appeared and much has changed in marine science during that time. For example, satellites are now routinely used in remote sensing of the ocean surface and hydrothermal vents at sea floor spreading centres have been extensively researched. The second edition has been considerably expanded and reorganised, and many new figures and tables have been included. Every chapter has been carefully updated and many have been rewritten. A new chapter on man's use of the oceans has been included to cover satellites and position fixing, renewable energy sources in the sea, seabed minerals, oil and gas, pollution and maritime law. In this edition we have also referred to a number of original references and review articles so that readers can find their way into the literature more easily. As in the first edition, PSM has been mainly responsible for the text and lIC for the illustrations, although each has responded to advice from the other and also from many colleagues. In this context readers should note that the illustrations form an integral and major part of the book. The text will almost certainly be too concise for many readers if they do not study the illustrations carefully at the same time. The book has been written as an introductory text for students, although it can serve anyone who is beginning a study of the sea.

It is now nine years since the first edition appeared and much has changed in marine science during that time. For example, satellites are now routinely used in remote sensing of the ocean surface and hydrothermal vents at sea noor spreading centres have been extensively researched. The second edition has been considerably expanded and reorganised, and many new figures and tables have been included. Every chapter has been carefully updated and many have been rewritten. A new chapter on man's use of the oceans has been included to cover satellites and position fixing, renewable energy sources in the sea, seabed minerals, oil and gas, pollution and maritime law. In this edition we have also referred to a number of original references and review articles so that readers can find their way into the literature more easily. As in the first edition, PSM has been mainly responsible for the text and HC for the illustrations, although each has responded to advice from the other and also from many colleagues. In this context readers should note that the illustrations form an integral and major part of the book. The text will almost certainly be too concise for many readers if they do not study the illustrations carefully at the same time. The book has been written as an introductory text for students, although it can serve anyone who is beginning a study of the sea.

The oceans are our planet's most distinctive and imposing natural habitat. They cover 71 percent of its surface; support a remarkably diverse and exquisitely adapted array of life forms, from microscopic viruses, bacteria, and plankton to the largest existing animals; and possess many of Earth's most significant, intriguing, and inaccessible ecosystems. In an era in which humans are significantly altering the global environment, the oceans are undergoing rapid and profound changes. The study of marine biology is thus taking on added importance and urgency as people struggle to understand and manage these changes to protect our marine ecosystems. Healthy oceans produce half of the oxygen we breathe; stabilize our climate; create ecosystems that protect our coasts from storms; provide us with abundant food; and host diverse organisms that provide us with natural products for medicine and biotechnology. In this Very Short Introduction, marine biologist Philip Mladenov provides an accessible and up-to-date overview of marine biology, offering a tour of marine life and marine processes that ranges from the unimaginably abundant microscopic organisms that drive the oceans' food web to the apex predators that we exploit for food; from polar ocean ecosystems to tropical coral reefs; and from the luxurious kelp beds of the coastal ocean to deep-ocean hydrothermal vents where life exists without the energy of the sun. Throughout the book he considers the human impacts on marine life including overfishing, plastic and nutrient pollution, the spread of exotic species, and ocean warming and acidification. He discusses the threats these pose to our welfare, and the actions required to put us on a path to a more sustainable relationship with our oceans so that they can be restored and protected for future generations. Mladenov concludes with a new chapter offering an inspiring vision for the future of our oceans in 2050 that can be realised if we are wise enough to accelerate actions already underway and be bold with implementing new approaches. The next decade will decide the state of the oceans that we leave behind for future generations. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

INTRODUCTION TO MARINE BIOLOGY, 4E, International Edition sparks curiosity about the marine world and provides an understanding of the process of science. Taking an ecological approach and intended for non-science majors, the text provides succinct coverage of the content while the photos and art clearly illustrate key concepts. Studying is made easy with phonetic pronunciations, a running glossary of key terms, end-of-chapter questions, and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter. The open look and feel of INTRODUCTION TO MARINE BIOLOGY, 4E, International Edition and the enhanced art program convey the beauty and awe of life in the ocean. Twenty spectacular photos open the chapters, piquing the motivation and attention of students, and over 60 photos and pieces of art are new or redesigned.

This text preserves the basic elements of the physical, chemical, and geological aspects of the marine sciences, and merges those fundamentals into a broader framework of marine biology and ecology. Existing textbooks on oceanography or marine biology address the companion field only cursorily: very few pages in oceanography texts are devoted to marine biology, and vice versa. This new book overcomes that imbalance, bringing these disparate marine science text formats closer together, giving them more equal weight, and introducing more effectively the physical sciences by showing students with everyday examples how such concepts form the foundation upon which to build a better understanding of the marine environment in a changing world.

This established textbook continues to provide a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to marine ecological concepts and processes. Based on a wealth of international teaching expertise, An Introduction to Marine Ecology is written to be the basis for an entire undergraduate course in marine biology or ecology. It covers the trophic, environmental and competitive interactions of marine organisms, and the effects of these on the productivity, dynamics and structure of marine systems. The strength of the book lies in its discussion of core topics which remains at the heart of the majority of courses in the subject, despite an increasing emphasis on more applied aspects. The authors maintain the tradition of clarity and conciseness set by previous editions, and the text is extensively illustrated with colour plates, photographs and diagrams. Examples are drawn from all over the world. In this edition, the scientific content of the text has been fully revised and updated. An emphasis has been placed on human impacts, and completely new chapters have been added on fisheries, marine ecosystems, and human interference and conservation. Completely revised and updated with a twofold increase in the number of illustrations. Adopts a more applied approach in keeping with current teaching. New chapters on fisheries, the marine ecosystem, conservation and pollution. Based on a proven and successful course structure.