22 posts tagged “washington”
Synopsis: "Over two-thirds of the earth is covered by bodies of water that many
believe hold the secrets to the beginnings of life. In this absorbing
survey of oceanography, Prager (Furious Earth) and Earle (The Living
Ocean: Understanding and Protecting Marine Biodiversity) chronicle the
development of the science of oceans and the evolution of life within
the briny deep and shallow estuaries. The authors narrate the "grand
epic" of life's evolution from its earliest beginnings (between 4.5 and
1 billion years ago) to the flowering of sea life in the Cambrian
period (about 550 million years ago). They examine the geological
evidence of life's development, and the physical and chemical
properties of the ocean-- the effects of oceans on climate, coastal
upwellings, deep-sea circulation, rip currents and rogue waves--as well
as the beauties and mysteries of sea life and, through accounts of
various marine biomes, microbes and mammals, the tremendous diversity
of marine life. Throughout, Prager and Earle debunk myths about the
existence of Jaws-like sharks and other marine creatures. Finally, they
contend that if the oceans continue to be exploited in the ways they
have been over just the past 30 years, they may die. Therefore, the
authors argue, governments must give high priority to the study of
oceans simply because "to preserve the sea is to preserve life on
Earth." This elegant study is an excellent resource for scientists,
teachers and all lovers of the ocean." (from Publishers Weekly)
Rating: 3 of 5 stars.
Rating: 3 of 5 stars.
