How the Ocean Works: An Introduction to Oceanography

by Mark W. Denny

The world's oceans account for roughly 71 percent of the planet's surface and 99 percent of its livable volume. Any study of this huge habitat requires a solid foundation in the principles that underlie marine biology and physical and chemical oceanography, yet until now undergraduate textbooks have largely presented compilations of facts rather than explanations of principles. How the Ocean Works fills this gap, providing a concise and accessible college-level introduction to marine science that is also ideal for general readers.


How are winds and currents driven? What is the dilemma of the two-layered ocean? Mark Denny explains key concepts like these in rich and fascinating detail. He explores early scientific knowledge of oceans, photosynthesis, trophic interactions and energy flow, and the impacts of human activities on marine and atmospheric systems. Focusing each chapter on a major topic and carefully explaining the principles and theory involved, Denny gives readers the conceptual building blocks needed to develop a coherent picture of the living ocean. How the Ocean Works is an indispensable resource that teaches readers how to think about the ocean--its biology, mechanics, and conservation.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Nature

344 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Matthew Harwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent textbook that gives the reader a thorough understanding of pretty much everything there is in terms of how the ocean works. For people studying the ocean or anything ocean related this is a useful read.

[Susan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An undergraduate intro text to oceanography, some parts were very accessible but all the chemistry got a bit deep for me. Latter chapters dealing with current situations and challenges were great. The illustrations were also helpful for a beginner like me.

[Michael Champagne · Rating 4 out of 5]

For grad class on oceans. Very thorough text that helped develop a better understanding of how the ocean impacts the world and vice versa.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The oceans are vast and important. They circulate nutrients, determine climates, produce oxygen, store carbon, and support a global food chain. This book goes into great detail but doesn't leave you with the false impression that you understand it all. Instead, it conveys the enormity of oceanography as a field. Whether you love ecology, geology, physics, biochemistry, or climatology, oceanography has something to spark awe!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of oceanography, though lacking in detail in some areas...

[Starnason]

Very good, informative.

[Daniel Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, accessible and informative. Altered me to problems without producing despair.