Oceanography, also known as oceanology and marine science, is the branch of Earth science that studies the ocean. Although oceans contain most of the Earth’s water and carbon and surface heat, and much of its biomass, the oceans do not operate alone. Together with the atmosphere, continents and ice-cover, they form a working machine, driven mostly by energy from the sun. Lesser amounts of energy derive from tides raised by the moon and sun and planets, and heat from the Earth’s interior. Oceanography covers a wide range of topics, including marine life and ecosystems, ocean circulation, plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor, and the chemical and physical properties of the ocean. Just as there are many specialties within the medical field, there are many disciplines within oceanography. This valuable oceanography textbook offers information on the marine environment with an emphasis on the principles, processes, and properties of the oceans. The book will be an important reference for students and specialists in oceanography, marine biology, and related fields.
