Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science

This Fifth Edition of OCEANOGRAPHY conveys Garrison's enthusiasm for oceanography to non-science students and concentrates on maximizing student learning. Garrison brings focus and excitement to students' natural appreciation of the complexities of the ocean with integrated technology and a stunning visual program. Drawing on his more than thirty years of teaching experience, Garrison is intent on writing for how students learn best: he is the only oceanography author to consistently consult students about each new edition and incorporate their suggestions, creating a dynamic, current student focus. He provides students with a basic understanding of the scientific questions, complexities, and uncertainties involved in ocean use and the role and importance of the ocean in nurturing and sustaining life on the planet. Also, with a feel for students' excitement at discovering connections, Garrison increases the emphasis in this edition on the interdisciplinary nature of marine science, stressing its links to biology, chemistry, geology, physics, meteorology, astronomy, ecology, history, and economics. To further enrich the student experience, this edition is now fully integrated, on a concept level and with book-specific interactivities, with a FREE brand-new, student tutorial system called OceanographyNow. OceanographyNow is Web-based, assessment-driven, and completely flexible, offering a personalized learning plan based on each student's quiz results to help students focus on the concepts they don't yet understand. Enhanced illustrations, seamless integration of online resources, and a rich suite of student resources (with an optional regional emphasis) complete the Garrison learning experience. "This text is a must for any student searching for a detailed, yet easy to understand introduction to science." - Tanya Johnson, President of Associated Students at Skyline College, on Garrison's OCEANOGRAPHY.

The ocean affects all aspects of our lives--Tom Garrison will show you how in this new 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 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 fascinating text!

Named Outstanding Marine Educator by the National Marine Technology Society, Tom Garrison writes market-leading textbooks that enliven students' interest in the ocean, as well as a regular column on ocean education for the journal OCEANOGRAPHY. His knowledge, combined with a gift for engaging writing, has garnered Tom an Emmy Award for his work on the OCEANUS television course and a prestigious Excellence in College Teaching Award from the Salgo-Noren Foundation. Garrison also served as a writer and science advisor for THE ENDLESS VOYAGE for PBS. Tom's books, born out of his desire to share his excitement about the ocean with others, are widely used at colleges and universities throughout North America, Asia, and Australia. These oceanography texts have allowed him to reach beyond the walls of Orange Coast College and into the minds and imaginations of tens of thousands of students. Tom is a regular lecturer at Hong Kong University and will be consulting with the Peoples Republic of China on their national ocean education at Peking University starting this summer.

1. Knowing the Ocean World. 2. Origins. 3. Earth Structure and Plate Tectonics. 4. Continental Margins and Ocean Basins. 5. Sediments. 6. Water and Ocean Structure. 7. Ocean Chemistry. 8. Circulation of the Atmosphere. 9. Circulation of the Ocean. 10. Waves. 11. Tides. 12. Coasts. 13. Life in the Ocean. 14. Plankton, Algae, and Plants. 15. Marine Animals. 16. Marine Communities. 17. Marine Resources. 18. Environmental Concerns. Afterword. Appendix I. Measurements and Conversions. Appendix II. Geological Time. Appendix III. Latitude and Longitude, Time, and Navigation. Appendix IV. Maps and Charts. Appendix V. The Coriolis Effect. Appendix VI. Taxonomic Classification of Marine Organisms. Appendix VII. Calculating the Tide Generating Force. Appendix VIII. Periodic Table of the Elements. Appendix IX. The Beaufort Scale. Appendix X. Working in Marine Science. Glossary. Credits. Index.