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DK Nature
Ocean: The Definitive Visual Guide
The power and wonder of the ocean is as strong today as ever, with new expeditions to its depths, and new discoveries beneath melting ice, in developing reefs, and on shores around the world.
To celebrate, we are releasing a second edition of Ocean, with the latest scientific research, coverage of major events like Superstorm Sandy and the Fukushima tsunami, and new graphics and images. Ocean includes an atlas of the world's oceans and seas compiled using satellite data, brand-new 3-D Earth modeling, and remarkable photography of the marine world that explores the interaction between people and the ocean environment.
From the geological and physical processes that affect the ocean floor to the key habitat zones, flora, and fauna, this is the definitive reference to the world's oceans.
To celebrate, we are releasing a second edition of Ocean, with the latest scientific research, coverage of major events like Superstorm Sandy and the Fukushima tsunami, and new graphics and images. Ocean includes an atlas of the world's oceans and seas compiled using satellite data, brand-new 3-D Earth modeling, and remarkable photography of the marine world that explores the interaction between people and the ocean environment.
From the geological and physical processes that affect the ocean floor to the key habitat zones, flora, and fauna, this is the definitive reference to the world's oceans.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
30 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 17, 2013
The pictures alone get this book 5 stars. The wealth of information just adds to its wonder! As a marine biologist, I absolutely love curling up on the couch and browsing this whenever I can. It is always fun to come across a piece of information or a picture of something I haven't ever seen in real life! Our quest for knowledge of the ocean has just begun!
October 12, 2014
I learned so much about the ocean and really enjoyed the detailed information on ocean life. I would read this book and then dream of the sea. Beautiful pictures make this book an inspirational keepsake.
April 18, 2017
Information dense and an absolute fantastic overview in one volume.
January 6, 2019
Visually stunning photography of the oceans of the world along with in depth descriptions and detail made this one of the best nature books I have ever read.
4 stars for this gem.
4 stars for this gem.
November 19, 2015
This has been one of the best text books I have had for a class. The information spread throughout has been intricately interwoven with graphic images that for me, as a visual learner, find hugely valuable
December 5, 2007
Beautiful photographs. Some nice information as well but more enjoyable for the beautiful images.
September 17, 2023
This book is far too long for me to point out every single aspect and subject presented. The name of this book is ‘Ocean: The Definitive Visual Guide’ and, as might have guessed by the title, most of the pages have amazing pictures and awesome graphics. Most of the things explained in this book would usually be boring if you were to learn about it in school. That is not the case when it comes to this book. The immense images, cool graphics, and interesting approach taken when writing makes it fun to read. If you thought oceanography was a subject without much to it, you would change your mind after reading this book. There are a lot of things that were covered in this book, like the different types of oceans in the world, well known hurricanes, how plate tectonics affect the geological formation on earth, tsunamis, volcanoes, how the earth was made… and a lot more.
While reading through the pages in this book, I couldn’t help but notice that a lot of the requirements for the merit badge are covered here. All of the written requirements can be completed after reading this book!
My favorite sections in this book are the volcanoes (p 183 - 184), sharks (p 328 - 332), and tsunami (p 49) sections. There were a lot of cool pictures in the shark section and the graphic demonstrating how tsunamis are formed was very interesting. Oh, the content? The content within the page was good too, haha… My favorite shark is not the Great White Shark (The Great White Shark is too mainstream), but the Basking Shark. It looks terrifying but doesn’t do much to other fish. It keeps its mouth open so that other fish can come in and clean it. It’s really cool to see.
If I were to rate this book from 1 star to 5 stars, I would rate it 5 stars. I know it might seem exaggerated, but it really is that good. (#NotSponsored). As I flip through the pages trying to find a flaw, I can’t help but feel amazed at the amount of time and effort that went into making this book. The amount of pictures, words and pages are really insane… The only flaw I could find was the length of the book– Ahem!
I remember reading this when I was 7 years old. (♫ once I was seven years old ♫). I did not like reading back then. I didn’t have the option to not read but I could choose which book to read. I’d always choose this book or the geology one, even though there were more than ten books to choose from. Whenever I picked this book, I always asked my dad where to start from. One thing I really liked about this book back then was that I didn’t have to pick up from where I left off because most sections were stand alone. When I was 7, my favorite section in this book was the section about the water cycle (p 64).
Thank you for reading this review!
While reading through the pages in this book, I couldn’t help but notice that a lot of the requirements for the merit badge are covered here. All of the written requirements can be completed after reading this book!
My favorite sections in this book are the volcanoes (p 183 - 184), sharks (p 328 - 332), and tsunami (p 49) sections. There were a lot of cool pictures in the shark section and the graphic demonstrating how tsunamis are formed was very interesting. Oh, the content? The content within the page was good too, haha… My favorite shark is not the Great White Shark (The Great White Shark is too mainstream), but the Basking Shark. It looks terrifying but doesn’t do much to other fish. It keeps its mouth open so that other fish can come in and clean it. It’s really cool to see.
If I were to rate this book from 1 star to 5 stars, I would rate it 5 stars. I know it might seem exaggerated, but it really is that good. (#NotSponsored). As I flip through the pages trying to find a flaw, I can’t help but feel amazed at the amount of time and effort that went into making this book. The amount of pictures, words and pages are really insane… The only flaw I could find was the length of the book– Ahem!
I remember reading this when I was 7 years old. (♫ once I was seven years old ♫). I did not like reading back then. I didn’t have the option to not read but I could choose which book to read. I’d always choose this book or the geology one, even though there were more than ten books to choose from. Whenever I picked this book, I always asked my dad where to start from. One thing I really liked about this book back then was that I didn’t have to pick up from where I left off because most sections were stand alone. When I was 7, my favorite section in this book was the section about the water cycle (p 64).
Thank you for reading this review!
February 14, 2022
Easy 5 star. I began reading this back at the beginning of August 2021. There is an abundance of information to take in along with the time spent observing the amazing photography throughout. This book, IMO, is like taking an enjoyable college course; there is so much information to absorb. Retaining all of it, impossible, but I know where to find it. There are areas of material that I'm sure I will view again.
As with Smithsonian's book, Universe, this is one of those books that can be set out on a coffee table and attract other viewers and readers. Impossible not to find something of interest. Children would be taken in by the stunning photos. A valuable reference I'm sure anyone would enjoy.
As with Smithsonian's book, Universe, this is one of those books that can be set out on a coffee table and attract other viewers and readers. Impossible not to find something of interest. Children would be taken in by the stunning photos. A valuable reference I'm sure anyone would enjoy.
January 30, 2024
This is an encyclopedia that covers all information about the ocean.
All of the photographs in this book are impressive and the illustrations are easy to understand, so there is no doubt that it will be useful for studying for a long time.
It covers a wide range of topics, including the formation of the ocean, life in the ocean, climate in the ocean, and finally the Atlas of the ocean.
I live near the sea, but I thought that the sea was an unknown world.
This book inspired me to study oceanography.
All of the photographs in this book are impressive and the illustrations are easy to understand, so there is no doubt that it will be useful for studying for a long time.
It covers a wide range of topics, including the formation of the ocean, life in the ocean, climate in the ocean, and finally the Atlas of the ocean.
I live near the sea, but I thought that the sea was an unknown world.
This book inspired me to study oceanography.
October 8, 2022
I checked a copy out from the library and have been casually flipping through looking at the gorgeous pictures. Then I found myself wanting to read every word. Well, this book is huge and I want to truly enjoy it so have officially added it to my to-buy list. As of writing this review, I haven't actual "read" the whole thing but already know it's getting 5 stars, something I very rarely do. Looking forward to getting my own copy.
November 11, 2022
I absolutely adore this book. Its very detailed, features gorgeous photography, and covers pretty much everything related to the ocean. I don't know much about the ocean myself, so it was fascinating to delve into a new topic. This book is just so so beautiful. I'm so happy it exists and I was able to come across it :)
July 9, 2025
A book about the wonders of Earth's oceans and the creatures that live in it... how can you screw it up? You can't when you devote the time and care that these folks show. You might need a degree to wade through some of the charts here, but the maps are great, and the photos show enough wild critters to populate horror movies that will give you the creeps through the rest of this century.
March 31, 2023
Skimmed through the parts about ocean lives. It’s unsurprising yet still fascinating to be reminded that the ocean has a much vaster biodiversity than land, due to its abundant lives that are neither animals nor plants.
August 30, 2017
this is very nice book
May 20, 2019
Contains a substantial amount of information as well as breathtaking images. I didn't realize how ignorant I was in regard to marine biology!
June 21, 2021
A beautiful book about absolutely everything to do with the ocean!
This was part of my eldest's Marine and Aquaculture Technology elective.
Fascinating and informative!!
This was part of my eldest's Marine and Aquaculture Technology elective.
Fascinating and informative!!
July 11, 2024
Descriptive, dense, and incredibly detailed. Very educational
January 11, 2025
Beautiful pictures and lots of details.
June 7, 2022
One of my favorite books growing up packed with information and overflowing with colored pictures. A great book to get lost in.
April 18, 2011
This book has gorgeous photos of the ocean. It has alot of great interesting facts on everything to do with the ocean including such aspects of its biology, chemistry, geology, oceanography, ecology etc
I found it really helpful as a reference book when compleating assignments for collage. There isint extensive details on each species of animal or plant but there interesting facts that make it worth looking at.
I reccomend the book to anyone as it is a book that you could pick up and browse through if ya had the time, even if it was just to look at the amazing photos in there.
I found it really helpful as a reference book when compleating assignments for collage. There isint extensive details on each species of animal or plant but there interesting facts that make it worth looking at.
I reccomend the book to anyone as it is a book that you could pick up and browse through if ya had the time, even if it was just to look at the amazing photos in there.
November 29, 2015
Ocean, by Fabien Cousteau, is an informational book on the ocean and its many wonders. You learn about hundreds of species and the different systems in the most unexplored part of our planet. This book is aimed towards readers who are extremely interested in Marine Biology and non-fiction. Ocean is very long and strenuous, so I would mainly recommend it to people who have a lot of patience and love for the natural world. Overall, I really enjoyed spending some time learning about our oceans' difference ecology.
November 15, 2014
This is a very impressive large format book about the ocean. With over 500 pages and as many as a dozen photos and illustrations on each page it lives up to it's billing as The Definitive Visual Guide. I didn't read all of it, but I would recommend it for anyone who wants a thorough education about the ocean. I found it awe inspiring.
December 30, 2014
I have not looked at the 2008 version in awhile, so I cannot say for sure what changes have been made or where they are in the book.
The book is, simply put, gorgeous. Expansive, but not exhaustive. I was hoping for some Giant Squid info, but didn't see any. It is quite possible that I missed it. The book begs to be picked up again and again.
Highly recommended.
The book is, simply put, gorgeous. Expansive, but not exhaustive. I was hoping for some Giant Squid info, but didn't see any. It is quite possible that I missed it. The book begs to be picked up again and again.
Highly recommended.
January 20, 2016
Ocean: The World’s Last Wilderness Revealed by Fabien Cousteau (DK Publishing 2006)(595+/-). This is a beautifully photographed overview of the undersea world by a member of the leading family of ocean adventurers. My rating: 7/10, finished 2007.
February 22, 2008
This book is absolutely gorgeous. The photographs are wonderful and fill every page. There is so much information here for anyone interested in any aspect of any ocean.
August 3, 2008
Beautiful book. Pictures are, of course, the best part. Mine is a paperback, so it wasn't too terribly expensive.
October 20, 2008
For my love for the water and all it's creations I should have majored in marine biology. This book is fascinating, packed full of info and excellent photos.
Want to read
January 29, 2010waiting for this one to arrive... I've recently looked through this book at my local bookstore.. this is a must have for me!
August 2, 2011
Amazing! Beautiful pictures coupled with info about a wide range of subjects all regarding the ocean. Includes info on currents, underwater features, coastal features, plants and animals.
September 8, 2012
every aspiring marine biologist or anyone with a passion for the oceans and the vast life within should own this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews