Ocean: An Illustrated Atlas [Hardcover]

Sylvia A. Earle (Author), Linda K. Glover (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 28, 2008

Detailing a mysterious realm that’s as vital to our existence as the air we breathe, this new atlas immerses readers in the wonders of the deep through more than 250 up-to-the-minute maps, photographs, and satellite images. Deep-sea pioneer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia A. Earle (known as "Her Deepness") and marine scientist Linda K. Glover guide the adventure, in consultation with experts from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—who welcome the publication of a comprehensive ocean atlas geared to popular readers.

The accessible text lays out key concepts, points of interest, and little known facts, opening our eyes to living phenomena from giant squid to tiny microbial bodies. Astonishing full-color photographs and diagrams reveal the beauty and complexity of ocean life. Unprecedented new full spread maps of the ocean floor—hand-drawn by expert cartographers—reveal the five major oceans in astonishing details. An unequaled resource for both education and entertainment, Ocean also explores the progress of fascinating technologies that will help scientists discover uncharted regions and life-forms. In light of recent events—the tsunami of 2004, Katrina and Rita of 2005, the growth of the ozone hole—humankind’s link to the ocean is front and center in our lives today. This rich informative, and timely atlas, encourages understanding of how the ocean correlates with these happenings—and how human maintenance of its waters and creatures will keep the planet going.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This oversize and eye-catching work is both educational and engaging. The introduction includes statements from NOAA and NASA, whose experts consulted on the book. In addition to the coauthors, more than 30 other named scientists and specialists contributed to the work, and their information is provided in a contributors’ list. The volume is arranged into three sections. Part 1 offers an overview of the ocean as a whole. A chapter on “Ocean Life” introduces readers to the vast wildlife living beneath the ocean surface. The second section presents five chapters, each devoted to a major ocean basin (Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern). The final section is titled “The Human Ocean” and discusses new technologies, exploration, the impact of human actions on the oceans, and the future of the oceans. The chapter on ocean exploration presents information on techniques for both above-water and underwater observation as well as methods for study from air and space. The authors also discuss the critical importance of the health of the oceanic ecosystem to the rest of the world. More than 100 large, full-color maps, including five new maps that show details of the seafloor of the major ocean basins, accompany the text. Also included are more than 170 photographs and 36 illustrations, including satellite images, charts, and tables. The stunning illustrations come with detailed annotations that nicely complement the text. Three different kinds of margin elements are utilized: cross-references, seful Web links, and fact boxes, which summarize and clarify fundamental concepts. The volume concludes with a bibliography in addition to a subject index and a map place-name index. This would be a valuable reference tool for university, college, and high-school students and would also appeal to the casual browser. --Maren Ostergard

About the Author

Called “Her Deepness” by the New York Times, a “Living
Legend” by the Library of Congress, and Time magazine’s
first “Hero for the Planet,” Sylvia A. Earle has
led more than 60 expeditions as an oceanographer and
explorer, authored 170 publications, and lectured in 70
countries. Formerly chief scientist of NOAA, she is an
explorer in residence at the National Geographic Society,
chair of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, leader of
the Sustainable Seas Expeditions, and council chair for the
Harte Research Institute.

Linda K. Glover has been a leader in ocean science,
policy, and public outreach for decades. Her research
work includes shipboard science in the North Atlantic,
Caribbean, and Indian Ocean, with publications in
marine geology and ancient climates. She is known for
translating complex scientific concepts and jargon into
language accessible to the general public and has published
several reference books on ocean conservation
and space science.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; First Edition edition (October 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426203195
• ISBN-13: 978-1426203190
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 1.4 x 14.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,050 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dive In! January 24, 2009

By Ellen

Format:Hardcover

The recently released and revised Ocean Atlas is a treasure trove of scientific information combined with an extraordinary compilation of maps and images. For scientists, the volume provides excellent reference materials, fun facts, and insights from experts across many disciplines along with interesting historical accounts. For the layperson, the book provides an easy-to-read, broad, and fascinating view into the ocean and science, related history and world issues, what we know, and the mysteries that remain. Earle and Glover aptly bring to the reader the wonder of the sea, the advances in science made over the centuries, and the threats that now put the ocean and the great diversity of life within it at risk. The maps and graphics are truly stunning and I only wish that I could get copies to use in talks and to show others! I highly recommend this edition for anyone interested in the ocean!

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Nice photos but poor text. December 12, 2009

By Joy Archer

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a very poor cousin to "The Times Atlas and Encyclopaedia of the Sea". That is a book just full of useful and interesting history of the oceans.
National Geographic "Ocean An Illustrated Atlas" is very long on interesting photos and illustrations and very short on interesting information. I guess the word "Illustrated" is the tip off. The information is presented by the various oceans. The Caribbean Sea has been often called "the best swimming hole on planet Earth" has six paragraphs devoted to it. It shares these 6 paragraphs with the murky and heavily polluted Gulf of Mexico. I got a very fair price on a beautiful picture book of the oceans so I am grateful to the seller. The price offered on the National Geographic site is way too much.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Instructive February 17, 2009

By Jose Fernandez Calvo

Format:Hardcover

This is an atlas of the sea to match the one you already own of the land. But much more interesting because you have seen many an atlas of the land, but never one of the other two thirds of our planet.

It is beautiful and instructive, covering an area of knowledge that receives very little press, surely there should be a copy of this book in every library.

There is a movie "Oceans" coming out later this year, this book will be a great companion, especially if both are used together for multimedia teaching of young kids ... or anybody that is curious and young at heart!