The Oceans Atlas

Earth is indeed "the blue planet", with oceans and seas covering two-thirds of its surface.

This atlas explores the regions of watery deep with lively text and graphic maps, diagrams and illustrations.

The book moves from the creation, geography, and topography of the oceans, to an examination of water itself: the water cycle, currents, weather patterns, waves and tides.

Plant and animal life in and around the oceans - from prehistoric times to today's endangered species - are described.

Man's exploration of the deep is surveyed - from Viking voyages to sophisticated modern experiments - as is the exploitation of the ocean's riches from early whaling ships to recent headlines.

Special sections include information on reefs and hurricanes; ocean legends; mysterious creatures and features; the sinking of the Titanic and the journey of the green turtle.

Running throughout the text is a respect for the wonders of our oceans and seas, and a concern for balancing man's quest for new sources of food, energy and minerals against the urgent need to preserve this precious environment - the last frontier on Earth.