Climate and the Oceans

by Geoffrey K. Vallis

The oceans exert a vital moderating influence on the Earth's climate system. They provide inertia to the global climate, essentially acting as the pacemaker of climate variability and change, and they provide heat to high latitudes, keeping them habitable. Climate and the Oceans offers a short, self-contained introduction to the subject. This illustrated primer begins by briefly describing the world's climate system and ocean circulation and goes on to explain the important ways that the oceans influence climate. Topics covered include the oceans' effects on the seasons, heat transport between equator and pole, climate variability, and global warming. The book also features a glossary of terms, suggestions for further reading, and easy-to-follow mathematical treatments.

Climate and the Oceans is the first place to turn to get the essential facts about this crucial aspect of the Earth's climate system. Ideal for students and nonspecialists alike, this primer offers the most concise and up-to-date overview of the subject available.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Climate Change, Planetary Science

248 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2011

Reviews

[Alejandro Jaramillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Climate and the Oceans by Geoffrey K. Vallis offers a captivating exploration of the intricate interplay between climate and the vast expanse of the ocean. With eloquence and simplicity, the author skillfully navigates the intricate web of this relationship, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The author made a beautiful work describing this relationship's complexity using straightforward language. This book stands as an essential read for anyone seeking an initial understanding of this fascinating topic.

[Anoop Nayak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book to start with study of oceans. Builds motivation to dive deeper in range of topics. Covers only Physical aspect of the oceans. But he has recommended books which cover other interesting aspects.

[Alex O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great concise content. I enjoyed the physical discussion of climate change and the respective mathematics involved in climate science. Been a lot busier so I'm glad to have put this one down!

[Paula Echeverri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Climate and the Oceans paints a remarkable holistic picture, and it is successful because Vallis manages to keep the discussion very clear and yet to express the (beautiful) complexity of ocean dynamics. It is a well written and enjoyable science read.

[Taigaplox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a great introduction to oceanography. Little prior knowledge is required to be able to understand this book. Reader can decide whether he/she wants to dig into the mathematical background, provided in appendices at the end of each chapter.

[东北风 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent primer. This is how introductory texts should be written.