Table of Contents

1. Early Foundations of the Ocean Sciences2. Origins and Connections: Science, the Universe, Earth, and Life3. The Ocean Floor: Its Formation and Evolution4. Water: Its Chemical and Physical Properties5. Atmospheric Circulation and Ocean Currents6. Waves and Tides7.Introduction to Life in the Sea8. The Primary Producers9. The Zooplankton10. Marine Invertebrates11. The Fishes12. Marine Environments13. Marine Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals14. Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture15. Human ImpactsAppendix A. Satellite Remote SensingAppendix B. El Niño and La NiñaAppendix C. Exploring the Deep, Dark OceanGlossaryIllustration CreditsIndex

About the Author

David W. Townsend is Professor of Oceanography in the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine. He has a longtime affiliation with the University, having completed a B.A. in Zoology there; after pursuing his M.S. (in Marine Science) at Long Island University, he then returned to the University of Maine, earning a Ph.D. in Oceanography. Dr. Townsend has been recognised for his teaching with the College Outstanding Teaching Award (2001) and the Distinguished Maine Professor Award (2006). He has published more than 90 papers, book chapters, and reviews. His research interests include biological oceanography of estuaries and shelf seas; phytoplankton blooms; nutrient dynamics; fisheries oceanography; ecology and population dynamics of larval fishes and zooplankton; plankton ecology and trophodynamics; and coupling of physical and biological processes.

Reviews

"Townsend succeeds very well in providing balanced coverage as he leads students on an exploration of the physical, chemical, and geological fundamentals, and follows through with biological processes and organisms. So, the very inclusive title (all three terms--oceanography, marine biology, and marine science) is appropriate, and courses with any of these titles could use this textbook. The textbook is written in a very engaging style. Throughout, Townsend asks questions and then provides illustrative answers. Oceanography and Marine Biology should provide the thoughtful student with ways to answer the question 'Why is the ocean important?'" --Lisa Campbell, Oceanography