Oceans : a very short introduction / Dorrik Stow.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stow, D. A. V. (Dorrik A. V.), author.

Series:

Very short introductions ; 529.

Very short introductions ; 529

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ocean.

Physical Description:

184 pages : illustrations ; 18 cm.

Place of Publication:

Oxford,UK ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2017.

Summary:

The importance of the oceans to life on Earth cannot be overstated. Liquid water covers more than 70% of our planet's surface and, in past geological time, has spread over 85%. Life on Earth began in the oceans over 3.5 billion years ago and remained there for the great majority of that time. Today the seas still provide 99% of habitable living space, the largest repository of biomass, and holds the greatest number of undiscovered species on the planet. Our oceans are vital for the regulation of climate, and with global warming and decreasing land area, they have become increasingly important as the source of food, energy in the form of oil and gas, and for their mineral wealth. Oceans also form a key part of the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements critical to life. Nutrients in upwelling areas are spread by ocean currents, and the plankton of the seas supports a wealth of wildlife. 0In this 'Very Short Introduction' Dorrik Stow analyses these most important components of our blue planet and considers their relationship with, and exploitation by, humans. He shows how the oceans are an essential resource to our overpopulated world, and discusses why exploration and greater scientific understanding of the oceans, their chemistry, and their mineral wealth are now a high priority.

Contents:

Ocean frontier

Ocean transience

Ocean floor

Chemical broth

Dynamic ocean

Ocean-climate nexus

Evolution and extinction

Marine web of life

Ocean bounty

Fragile environment

Epilogue : new global awareness.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780199655076

0199655073

OCLC:

961409919

Publisher Number:

99974783164