Introducing Oceanography

by David N. Thomas

Two thirds of our planet is covered by oceans and seas. Over recent decades developments in ocean science have dramatically improved our understanding of the key role oceans play in the Earth System, and how vital they are for regulating global climate. Humans depend on the oceans for many resources, but at the same time their impacts on the marine systems around the world are of increasing concern. Introducing Oceanography has been written by two leading oceanographers to provide a succinct overview of the science of the study of the seas for students and for the interested adult wanting a topical guide to this enormous and complex subject. The initial chapters describe the oceans and the forces at work within them. The authors then discuss the effects of light, the chemistry of the seas and the food web before surveying biological oceanography in the main oceanic regions. The final chapter looks at the methodology of ocean study. Copiously illustrated, this book is intended for those whose interest in oceanography has been stimulated, perhaps by media coverage of declining resources or climate change and who want to know more. Technical terms are kept to a minimum and are explained in a glossary.

Genres: Textbooks, Science

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2012

About the author

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Please see: David N. Thomas


David Thomas is based at the University of Helsinki where he is the Professor of Arctic Ecosystem Research in the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

Previously (1996 to 2020) he was at Bangor University where from 2006 he held the Chair of Marine Biology in the School of Ocean Sciences in Menai Bridge.

He studied and did his PhD in Liverpool University where he studied seaweed physiology, before spending 7 years in Germany working on oceanographic projects in the Antarctic, Arctic and Red Sea.

After returning to the UK in 1996 he established a groups working on sea ice biogeochemistry, land-ocean interactions, and the production of biofuels from algal bioreactors.

From 2009 to 2013 he held an Academy of Finland Distinguished Professorship at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). In 2013 he also held a Chair in Arctic Marine Biology at Aarhus University, Denmark.

He takes pride in conveying his science to non-specialist audiences, both in talks but also writing textbooks and books for non-academic audiences. Over the years, he has become increasingly interested in the connections between observational biology and art and design.