Description
This introductory oceanography text is intended to teach students the tremendous influence oceans have on our lives. They are encouraged to look at oceanography as a cohesive and united discipline rather than a collection of subjects gathered under a marine umbrella. Investigating Oceanography teaches students about the historical, geological, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the ocean environment using remarkable images and photos. The authors have incorporated essays written by several scientists discussing topics in their fields of specialization. In addition to understanding processes and principles, the authors believe students must have a basic command of the language of marine science in order to understand the constant barrage of information concerning our planet and marine issues. By the end of this course, the authors want students to be prepared for future environmental discussions and the ability to make decisions as informed global citizens.
New Features
All new SmartBook! SmartBook is the first and only adaptive reading experience. Fueled by LearnSmart – the most widely used and intelligent adaptive learning technology – SmartBook identifies what you know and don’t know, and highlights what you need to learn at the moment that is most impactful for you. SmartBook now comes with additional learning resources (video clips, presentations, animations, etc.) which help you to conceptualize and engage with the content in a more focused manner. Learn more, go to: http://learnsmartadvantage.com/products/smartbook
NEW: The addition of new Diving In boxes that keep the book up to date and help engage students in current issues in oceanography.
NEW: The replacement of many old figures and images and the addition of new ones to better illustrate concepts in the text.
NEW: The balance of concepts and quantitative material in the book.
Key Features
In-Depth Essays Written by Scientists and EducatorsWe have invited outstanding scientists and educators to write guest essays in their fields of specialization. We call these Diving In essays and they are found throughout the book. Diving In essays engage students in a deeper study of intriguing topics and also encourage them to explore in greater detail other topics of particular interest to them.
Striking Photos and IllustrationsThis edition contains over 600 photos and Illustrations, all carefully designed and selected to compliment and reinforce the text while engaging your students.
Oceanography From Space SectionBecause so much of modern oceanographic research relies on remote sensing satellite data, we have also prepared a special center spread on the use of satellites in oceanography. Today’s students rely daily on satellite data for weather forecasts, the global positioning satellite system, and communications satellites to let us talk with friends and colleagues around the globe.
Table of Contents
Prologue: The History of Oceanography
1 The Water Planet
2 Earth Structure and Plate Tectonics
3 The Sea Floor and Its Sediments
4 The Physical Properties of Water
5 Seawater
6 The Atmosphere and the Oceans
7 Ocean Structure and Circulation
8 The Waves
9 The Tides
10 Coasts, Beaches, and Estuaries
11 The Living Ocean
12 The Plankton, Energy, and Food Webs
13 The Nekton: Swimmers of the Sea
14 The Benthos: Living on the Sea Floor
15 Environmental Issues
16 The Oceans and Climate Disruption
Keith A. Sverdrup, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Raphael M. Kudela, University of California Santa Cruz