Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science

by Tom S. Garrison, Robert Ellis

Developed in partnership with the National Geographic Society, OCEANOGRAPHY: AN INVITATION TO MARINE SCIENCE, 10th edition gives you a basic understanding of the complexities and uncertainties involved in ocean use as well as its role in sustaining life on Earth. Thoroughly updated with the latest findings from the field, the text includes new coverage of important issues such as climate change. Emphasizing the science process throughout, it helps you see how concepts from other scientific fields relate to topics in oceanography. Co-author Robert Ellis draws from his experience managing research projects and educational programs throughout the world, and a diverse group of National Geographic Explorers share their unique insights on key concepts. In addition, MindTap equips you with a wealth of anywhere, anytime digital learning solutions.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Science Nature, Reference, Ecology, Read For School

720 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 1996

Reviews

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ate it (2 days speedrun for exam)

[Wawa Hals · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I ever read when I studied oceanography n marine while doing my degree!

[Denise Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrison strips away the superficial blue surface of the globe to expose the staggeringly complex physical and biological machines operating beneath. He reconstructs thermohaline circulation, tectonic abyss geometry, and marine ecosystem dynamics, treating ocean currents not as mere water, but as the literal circulatory system of our living planet.

Why It Matters
It transforms how you look at the planet by proving that the continents are just islands governed by a massive global aquatic engine. Garrison shows that if you do not understand the chemical and physical equilibrium of the oceans, you miss how our climate and atmosphere are kept alive.

So Why Read It
A breathtaking masterclass in planetary scale systems that teaches you to view Earth as a singular, fluid organism. Essential for building a deep, holistic curiosity about the unexplored frontiers covering most of our world.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This text is a great general overview of oceanography--clear descriptions and diagrams, and I really liked the way Garrison connects the study of oceanography with astronomy, geology, history, physics, biology, etc. I'm definitely interested enough to research many topics covered here in more depth.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for my Oceanography class, and it was not all that bad. This is not something that I would really recommend to anyone, but if you like learning about the ocean then go right on ahead.

[Sparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could've been worse, as textbooks go. I think Garrison gets a little carried away with numbers and figures, which constitute the more boring parts of the book. His lectures are NOTHING like his writing. It was very interesting being audience to his lecture on plankton.

[Amazon Customer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book for two separate Intro-level oceanography classes. It's a great book and explains things well, good summaries too. It covers a lot of topics (oceanography, geology, marine biology) so it's not super detailed on the geology and marine biology parts, but it's a good introduction book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the 3rd edition of this text from 1998. I took the course with Dr. Garrison as the instructor. Solid intro to oceanography reference book.

[Priantomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

an entertaining book to study the ocean based on science..

[Meave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear explanations, and easy to follow. Made a very complicated subject (wave theory and dynamics) understandable to this Women's Studies major.

[Teri Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent text - very informative and an easy read.

[Robyn Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-designed textbook. I rented it but wanted to keep it for reference when I was done. I will wait till the next edition comes out and buy this edition.