The History Book Club discussion

This is a thread to discuss oceanography, climate change's impact on our oceans and the impact of pollution and waste on our oceans today.

Here we can also discuss the great oceans of the world: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Southern.

Climate change:
Death of the 'grandfather of climate science'
By Matt McGrath - Environment correspondent


Wallace Broecker, the US climate scientist who helped popularise the term "global warming" has died in New York at the age of 87.

Wallace Broecker, the US climate scientist who helped popularise the term "global warming" has died in New York at the age of 87.

Prof Broecker was among the first to connect emissions of CO2 to rising temperatures back in the 1970s.

He also studied the ocean conveyor belt, linking oceanography to climate change.

Scientists the world over have paid tribute, calling Prof Broecker a "genius and pioneer".

Remainder of article:
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-envi...

Source: BBC News

More:

by Amitav Ghosh

by Amitav Ghosh

by Joseph Romm (no photo)

Oceanography

by Savindra Singh (no photo)

Synopsis:

No review

Essentials of Oceanography

by Alan P. Trujillo (no photo)

Synopsis:

"How do the oceans work?"

To help readers find the answers, Trujillo and Thurman present in-depth and rigorous discussions of oceanographic concepts and demystify the science for the layperson.

Highlights the interdisciplinary relationship between oceanographic phenomena and how those phenomena affect other Earth systems. Incorporates scientific information from geology, chemistry, physics, and biology to illustrate how each of these disciplines relates to the ocean.

Updates content throughout to include some of the most recent developments in oceanography, such as the recent Indian Ocean tsunamis and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. A readable, informative reference for anyone interested in learning more about our oceans.

Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science

by Tom S. Garrison (no photo)

Synopsis:

The ocean affects all aspects of our lives, and Tom Garrison will show you how in the new Seventh Edition of OCEANOGRAPHY: AN INVITATION TO MARINE SCIENCE.

Garrison takes you on a vivid exploration of the ocean--from submarine canyons to zooplankton, global warming, the growing plastics problem, and our changing coastlines--and explains oceanography's most important concepts.

Garrison's engaging, reader-friendly approach helps you understand the complexities involved in how we study and use the ocean. You'll explore topics like Hurricane Katrina; the devastating December 2004 earthquake in the Indian Ocean and the resulting tsunami; the moon and its connection to the ocean; the power of the ocean to influence weather; and uses and abuses of the ocean.

Gain an understanding of the wonders of the sea and the scientific questions that surround it with this enjoyable, fascinating book!

Introductory Oceanography

by Harold V. Thurman (no photo)

Synopsis:

The 10th edition of this popular book continues to provide an excellent foundation in science by examining the vast body of oceanic knowledge.

Spanning the disciplines of geology, chemistry, physics, and biology, it allows readers to have a fundamental understanding of how oceans work.

Interwoven within the book are hundreds of photographs, illustrations, real-world examples, and applications that make the material relevant, accessible, and entertaining. Well-organized and clearly written, this book covers scientific inquiry and gives an historical look at the study of oceanography; the origins of life, the earth, and the oceans; plate tectonics; marine provinces; marine sediments; water and seawater; air-sea interaction; ocean circulation; waves, tides, and coastlines; biological productivity and the marine habitat; marine resources; and environmental concerns.

This book is intended to help readers in their quest to find out more about oceans.

Because of its comprehensive scope and excellent resource materials, it can also serve as an excellent reference work for those involved in oceanography.

Introducing Oceanography

by David N. Thomas (no photo)

Synopsis:

Two thirds of our planet is covered by oceans and seas.

Over recent decades, developments in ocean science have dramatically improved our understanding of the key role oceans play in the Earth's system, and how vital they are for regulating global climate.

Humans depend on the oceans for many resources, but, at the same time, their impacts on the marine systems around the world are of increasing concern. Introducing

Oceanography provides a succinct overview of the science of the study of the seas and is a topical guide to this enormous and complex subject.

Initially, the book describes the oceans and the forces at work within them. It then discuss the effects of light, the chemistry of the seas, and the food web, before surveying biological oceanography in the main oceanic regions.

The final chapter looks at the methodology of ocean study. Copiously illustrated, the book's technical terms are kept to a minimum and are explained in a glossary.

Review:

An amazing, engaging, and completely user-friendly survey, 'Introducing Oceanography' is enthusiastically recommended for public library collections and any individuals curious to learn more..." - The Midwest book Review, Library Bookwatch, January 2013, The Science Shelf

Citizens of the Sea: Wondrous Creatures From the Census of Marine Life

by Nancy Knowlton (no photo)

Synopsis:

This book does not directly discuss oceanography, but rather the creatures that live in the ocean.

This book is one of my favorites because it takes you through so many species of sea-dwellers.

here is a perfect balance between scientific facts and breathtaking pictures that are sure to inspire you to protect the vast oceans.

Source: Awesome Oceans

Ocean: The Definitive Visual Guide

by DK Publishing

Synopsis:

Dive in to this breathtaking read about the world's oceans. Explore the last wilderness left on Earth, with an enhanced and updated edition of this exhaustive guide to the underwater world.

From mangrove swamp to ocean floor, mollusc to manatee, the Japanese tsunami to Hurricane Sandy, unravel the mysteries of the sea.

Marvel at the oceans' power and importance to our planet - as the birthplace of life on Earth, a crucial element of our climate, and as a vital but increasingly fragile resource for mankind.

You will discover every aspect, from the geology of the sea floor and the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere, to the extraordinary diversity of marine life.

Updated illustrations and satellite-derived maps and the latest scientific research explain and illuminate each natural process and phenomena.

The World is Blue: How Our Fate and the Ocean’s are One

by Sylvia A. Earle

Synopsis:

A Silent Spring for our era, this eloquent, urgent, fascinating book reveals how just 50 years of swift and dangerous oceanic change threatens the very existence of life on Earth. Legendary marine scientist Sylvia Earle portrays a planet teetering on the brink of irreversible environmental crisis.

In recent decades we’ve learned more about the ocean than in all previous human history combined. But, even as our knowledge has exploded, so too has our power to upset the delicate balance of this complex organism. Modern overexploitation has driven many species to the verge of extinction, from tiny but indispensable biota to magnificent creatures like tuna, swordfish, and great whales. Since the mid-20th century about half our coral reefs have died or suffered sharp decline; hundreds of oxygen-deprived "dead zones" blight our coastal waters; and toxic pollutants afflict every level of the food chain.

Fortunately, there is reason for hope, but what we do—or fail to do—in the next ten years may well resonate for the next ten thousand. The ultimate goal, Earle argues passionately and persuasively, is to find responsible, renewable strategies that safeguard the natural systems that sustain us. The first step is to understand and act upon the wise message of this accessible, insightful, and compelling book.

Review:

This relatively short read is an interesting look at the connections our actions have on the fate of the ocean. Although the book is lacking in hard scientific data, I found it to be a book worth reading. It draws some parallels that forced me to open my eyes about certain truths. I would recommend reading this book once you have established some general knowledge about the oceans. Earle has also written, Blue Hope, which I found to be an extraordinary look into the beauty of the oceans. -- Awesome Oceans

Blue Hope

by Sylvia A. Earle

Synopsis:

In 2009, Sylvia A. Earle, international advocate for the ocean, set out on a new mission: "To create a campaign to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, Hope Spots large enough to save and restore the ocean - the blue heart of the planet."

This lavishly illustrated volume describes the renowned oceanographer's wish-in-progress, the development of a massive effort called Mission blue to take care of our living ocean.

Blue Hope captures the author's compelling story, intertwined with the beauty of the ocean, the splendor of its wildlife, the issues it faces, and the resilience of its resources.