Customer Reviews (4)

There's not a lot of math
I'm having a problem understanding the "scientist" below who skipped the formulas, since they're all extremely simple.Perhaps he's a biologist or works in some other area where math isn't really used, but the math in this book is strictly elementary.It's on the level of high-school physics, and not the AP/Honors type that utilizes calculus, either, since no calculus or differential equations are employed.If you know what a square root of a number and the cosine of an angle are, there will be no problem.

As a physical oceanographer myself, the basic information about the physics of the ocean was old news, to say the least, but I was interested in what the author had to say about applying these principles to sailing and boat-handling.I have to say there is some practical value here, but not as much as I'd hoped.For those without a background in ocean physics, however, it's a valuable reference.

everything and more
Let me be frank... the beautiful cover of this book caught my eye while browsing a bookstore on vacation, but I didn't want to spend the money.

A YEAR LATER, I had the cash, and remembered that this book contained so many topics that I wanted to learn more about.I didn't remember the title, nor the exact bookstore, but I tracked it down.The bookstore owner didn't have the book in stock, but by my description, remembered it, and I subsequently purchased it through Amazon.It's the kind of book you remember.

If you're curious about the greater part of the earth which is covered with water, this book is a must read !I'm slowly working through, cover-to-cover.Ocean currents, winds, and tides... climate, how various sized ships act in various conditions... calculating whether you have time to head to port or better get away from land when the wind starts blowing(how high will the waves get?) -- it's all here.I must confess, I've been glossing over the calculation aspects of wave propagation, but just reached the a-ha! point of why it's all very useful (and the graph is simpler than it looks once you get to the examples).

If you want to better understand the oceans, from the north pole to the south, and all the winds, waves, ice bergs, and currents between, this is your book.The pictures and drawings are what caught my eye.Once you dig into the text (if you have a bit of science/math grounding), you'll find it as enjoyable as the graphics.Even if you don't have much science/math, there are great portions with enjoyable material that doesn't require heavy thought.

Informative and definitely worth the price
Good diagrams, pictures, charts, etc.A picture being worth 1000 words certainly applies here.Enough mathematics for the scientist, for the layman - the text makes perfect sense without the formulas.

A wonderful book, very interesting re: boats and the sea
Oceanography and Seamanship by van Dorn is so full of information that it's hard to know where to start. The book is quite technical, with lots of math, and even as a scientist, I found that I skipped over many of the forumlae, yet still understood the underlying concepts of how boats and the water interact. Very interesting and useful. ... Read more

Book Description
The 10th edition of this popular book continues to provide an excellent foundation in science by examining the vast body of oceanic knowledge. Spanning the disciplines of geology, chemistry, physics, and biology, it allows readers to have a fundamental understanding of how oceans work. Interwoven within the book are hundreds of photographs, illustrations, real-world examples, and applications that make the material relevant, accessible, and entertaining.Well-organized and clearly written, this book covers scientific inquiry and gives an historical look at the study of oceanography; the origins of life, the earth, and the oceans; plate tectonics; marine provinces; marine sediments; water and seawater; air-sea interaction; ocean circulation; waves, tides, and coastlines; biological productivity and the marine habitat; marine resources; and environmental concerns.This book is intended to help readers in their quest to find out more about oceans. Because of its comprehensive scope and excellent resource materials, it can also serve as an excellent reference work for those involved in oceanography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

overillustrated, overpriced
Might there be an economic incentive for textbook to be in its tenth edition?Probably 20% of the illustrations are unncesessary.Photographs of pretty girls pulling up a bucket of water and scientists are a waste of ink, the reader's time and money.Dimensions are always given in metric, followed by the English equivalent.Imagine a chemistry textbook giving molecular weights in grams followed by pounds in parentheses.The authors are gushingly emotional and 100% poltically correct about climate change, overfishing and the adverse effects of agricultural runoff (never mentioning bemefits). ... Read more

Book Description
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! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book!!!
This is a very easy-to-understand book that has many helpful and detailed illustrations, graphs, and neat facts about the ocean and its contents.Great for biology, meteorology, and environmental students! ... Read more

Book Description
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! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Everyhting you need to know as an intro to marine science
This book is very well laid out.I am a teacher and would absolutely recommend this as an intro textbook to marine science.It contains all that you would need to know.great as a first year colledge text or even an advanced high school textbook.

Oceanography Text Book
Purchase and delivery were right on key.Very pleased with whole process.Item arrived in excellent condition.My daughter received a B+ on her first Oceanography College Exam (just points away from an A).That makes all the difference in the world....................Thanks.

One of Tom Garrison's Students
I took Tom Garrison's class at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA.Wonderful class!He taught along with the book and every session was both insightful and interesting.Dr. Garrison is without a match in instructional etiquette and eloquence.Indeed, this book showcases his best work on the subject.Read the book...Be educated by the diagrams and charts...Be taken back at the amazing realms of life under the ocean...And most of all, be in awe of a marvelous earth (or "Oceanus") that is in great need of our consideration right now.Otherwise we end up dead like the aliens...Oops..I hope I did't give a way the ending!If you have few bucks, come and take the class at OCC.You will be so glad you did.Just don't come in late through one of the side doors, or leave your cell phone on.He can't STAND those things!It drives him CRAZY!

Best textbook I've ever read.
This textbook is very well written.It is ubnderstandible to students and others of all ages and interests.It contains intersting color pictures and graphics about the subject material for each chapter. Each chapter alsocontains web links to a homepage that accompanies the book.The book isfull of intersting personal stories, history, theory, and facts.Dr.Garrison and all who have contributed to this book have set the standardfor textbooks and integrated learning for the next decade. ... Read more

Book Description
This outstanding overview, like its predecessors, introduces readerÕs to the oceanÕs complex systems and their impact on our lives and futures.As an underlying theme, the author explains science as a process of continual inquiry and open testing of ideas. The Seventh Edition reflects the most recent advances and developments in ocean and other earth sciences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Product
The book was in better condition than i expected in fact i wouldn't guess it was used until i actually looked FOR the signs of usage
great seller
Highly Recommended
A++++ ... Read more

Book Description
This book presents a balanced coverage of geological, physical, and biological aspects of the ocean and motivates students through the use over 400 high quality photographs and line drawings. ... Read more

Book Description
Written for the freshman-level oceanography course.It is taken by non-majors seeking to fulfill a science requirement.In this course, students study geological oceanography, physical oceanography, composition of the oceans, biological oceanography, and environmental issues related to oceanography.This text is an essentials version of Introduction to the World's Oceans, 5/e.It was developed to be more appropriate for the needs of quarter schools and programs wishing to teach a slightly less rigorous oceans course.(This is not intended for a marine biology course). ... Read more

Book Description
A coastal sea area usually indicates a sea area between acontinental shelf break with a water depth of about 200 m and the landshore. About 70% of global fish resources spend part of their lifecycle in the coastal seas, which accounts for 90% of marine biomassyield. Freshwater and nutrients from the land have a great influenceon the coastal seas, especially since more than half the humanpopulation lives within 100 km of a coast. Chemical reactions occurthere rapidly between substances from the land as they encountersubstances from the ocean. In terms of physics, a coastal sea acts asa boundary layer and kinetic energy is actively exchanged there.
But if coastal oceanography were to be summed up in a single sentence,it would be `the study that quantitatively makes clear the materialtransport in the coastal sea area'. Because the physical, chemical andbiological processes relate to the material transport in the sea, itcan be said the coastal oceanography is a genuinely interdisciplinarystudy. This book clarifies the quantitative material transportprocesses in the coastal sea area, mainly from a physical viewpoint. ... Read more

Book Description
This third edition of Essentials of Oceanography conveys Garrison?s enthusiasm for oceanography to non-science students taking the introductory course. It is a streamlined version of his best-selling Oceanography text, but was created specifically to meet the needs of the shorter course. This text provides students with a basic understanding of the scientific questions, complexities, and uncertainties involved in ocean use and the role and importance of oceans in nurturing and sustaining life on the planet. It further enhances students? natural enthusiasm for the ocean with integrated technology and a stunning visual program. This revision presents the most current scientific information on topics such as global warming as well as an improved and expanded illustration program. In addition, there is an increased emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of marine science, stressing its connections with astronomy, physics, chemistry, meteorology, geology, biology, ecology, history, and economics. Garrison brings focus and excitement to students? appreciation of the complex nature of the ocean and its interactions with other systems. Tom Garrison recently held student focus groups to discuss their impressions of Essentials of Oceanography and to hear their suggestions for improving the text. Nearly all changes to this new edition stem from student suggestions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

lovely illustrations
Let me say right away that this book is rather abbreviated. If you really are intently interested in oceanography, try Garrison's full text. But this Essentials text will convey enough of the field to let you decide if oceanography is a pursuit foryou.

The treatment is roughly at a freshman level in university, or perhaps for an advanced high school course. Some prior knowledge of chemisty and physics is assumed, in order for there to be any intelligent discussion of many aspects of oceanography.

The text also is well illustrated. The subject is one that readily lends itself to many photogenic shots. While this may sound frivolous to some, to others it has always been one of the attractions of oceanography. There are indeed some lovely photos scattered through the book.

Excellent service
Thank you so much for excellent and fast service. This book is in great condition. I would prefer going through you again!

Oceanography
The new Edition is the 3rd Edition (1999) /resp ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Oceanography written in a style both engaging and scholarly.
Whether you are a serious student of oceanography or, like me, a curious inquirer, you are going to love this book.In fact, once I began reading, it was difficult to close the cover!This book could easily be subtitled "Adventure in the High Seas."Rarely have I read a textbook thatcombines an engaging style with a scholarly approach that leaves me feelingboth truly informed and amazed.I discovered all kinds of interestingfacts and theories (deepest part of the world's oceans - the ChallengerDeep, part of the Mariana Trench, at 36,163 feet), geological history (theocean is 4 billion years old yet the oldest ocean floor is only 180 millionyears old), and astronomical physics (the moon has over two times thetide-generating effect as the sun though it is much smaller).

Fromhelpful hints on serious subjects such as how to escape rip currents tofunny stories about plastic bathtub toys (ducks, turtles and frogs) thatwere lost overboard from a container ship and provided valuable scientificdata on ocean currents, I found it all fascinating.The book includesgenerous amounts of color graphics showing beautiful underwater scenery andmarine life as well as colorful maps and aerial photos (for instance, theimage depicting wave effects on the shoreline).Each chapter ends withexercises, extensive references, suggested additional reading andrecommended web sites to visit.Though the glossary is extensive, Iparticularly liked the use of the short word derivations that appearfrequently throughout the text such as Bathyscaphe (bathos=depth, scaphe=asmall ship), thus saving numerous trips to the dictionary.

The book iswritten as a college-level text for first year oceanography students. Instructors will find an impressive instructional package available fromthe publisher that includes such things as slides, transparencies, acompanion web site reference and an instructor's manual.Read this bookand you will agree that it is clearly a five star work. ... Read more

Book Description
Chemical Oceanography, Third Edition, is a survey of essential concepts that contains a wealth of new data and maps, resulting in a more in-depth examination of oceanic biogeochemical processes. The most up-to-date compilation of essential concepts and data available on the subject, this book responds to the need for a thorough, yet straightforward approach to the subject for students, researchers, and other professionals in marine science, geochemistry, and environmental chemistry.

The third edition of Chemical Oceanography incorporates significant findings on the properties of oceans from recent, large-scale oceanographic programs and valuable new data derived from additional experiments. It also discusses the interactions of metals with inorganic and natural organic ligands and the effect of speciation of metals on bioavailability and toxicity. The section on carbonate systems now examines the input of fossil fuel CO₂ into the ocean and its effect on the pH of the world oceans.

Frank J. Millero, a world-renowned marine researcher and professor of undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Miami for nearly 40 years, presents a time-tested and user-friendly resource specifically designed for both classroom use and self-study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

chemical oceanography
first i think that this one is avery good book, i review in master sciences in unam mexico, is agreat helpfull, but sometimes is confuse, have some text that are not so ease to understand, your book is one of the masimportant in the chemical oceanography, and have to be more easy to learn,the first time that i read this book (the first edition) was in the basicsciences, and was very dificult to my undestand this new knowledge, butanyway i guiyou thakns for this book.

A valuable synthesis on marine chemistry:worth buying
This book contains a wealth of state-of-the art reference data, e.g.thermodynamic constants and other physico-chemical properties, which wouldotherwise be difficult to find together. It is therefore very useful as asource of data for quantitative calculations related to the chemistry ofseawater.

PLUS: - detailed numbers - ion-pair and Pitzer models appliedto seawater (explained with worked examples) - data on carbonate equilibriain seawater- chapter on circulation pattern - chapter on pH measurementof seawater

MINUS: - text style sometimes not concise - numbersfrequently given without references - poor illustration quality ... Read more

Book Description
Anybody can learn about the processes and creatures of the ocean by reading this visually exciting and timely textbook. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A superbly organized and presented textbook
Now in an updated and expanded third edition, Invitation To Oceanography by oceanographer Paul R. Pinet is a superbly organized and presented textbook for advanced students of this fascinating and specialized field of science. An optional student study guide enhances the primary text, which stands well on its own with full-color illustrations, and a wide survey of topics from marine sedimentation to biological productivity in the ocean, coastal habitats, ocean circulation and much more. With laboratory exercises designed by Karl Chauffe and Mark Jefferies which make use of safe, inexpensive, reusable, and readily available materials, Invitation To Oceanography is a very confidently recommended addition to academic reading lists, as well as an excellent curriculum resource for "student friendly" classroom instruction.

Weirdest textbook I ever used
Although Mr. Pinet can explain things very clearly, some of his writing is very strange, especially for a college textbook.At one point, he refers to animals as "critters."At another point, he recommends an experiment of taking your bathtub outside and putting by your pool when the wind is blowing.This book is full of weird little things like that.

Just what I wanted!
Although a college textbook designed for non-majors, "Invitation to Oceanography" contains much information for those interested in the subject. What I especially liked and appreciated the most were theapplication tasks. These are mathematical problems/questions one can useand apply to the ocean on their next trip to the beach. Moreover, theInternet links provided in the book add a great supplement. Educators atthe secondary (high school or college) level will enjoy teaching from thisbook.

Great Applications Towards Oceanography
"Invitation to Oceanography" provides a wealth of information as a non-fiction text. For those interested in the complexities of the inner-workings of oceanic events and marine biology, this is the book toread. The book is a fascinating read delving into facts and figures ofoceanic characteristics and definitions. Teachers and/or those interestedin marine science will find the book intriguing with its applicationtowards the field of mathematics, marine science, and chemistry. It willforever change how you perceive the ocean on your next beach vacation. ... Read more

Book Description
Combining the skills of 40 contributors from world-renowned teaching and research establishments, this richly-illustrated introduction to oceanography appeals to a wide readership without compromising standards of scientific rigor. ... Read more

Book Description
Invitation to Oceanography provides non-science majors with anoverview of oceanography. This edition is Web enhanced, providing students withan additional learning resource; the Internet. With OceanLink, students canvisit an extensive oceanography web site specifically designed to correspond tothe material in the book. Relevant pages in the text contain OceanLink texticons which indicates to the student that additional information and activitiescan be accessed on the OceanLink web site. With OceanLink, professors andstudents will soon discover how the Internet can enhance the learning processand keep the course material always current. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

discusses all topics pretty thoroughly
Although oceanography is not my strong point, I did find the book interesting covering a wide range of topics from different types of tides and currents to the marine life found in the ocean. Each chapter offersmath problems to help solve different equations about the oceans.Also,the chapter questions are helpful in reviewing the material found in eachchapter.Overall, an interesting a well-written book for first timeoceanography students! ... Read more

Book Description
This work provides a wide perspective of the oceans by examining their places in the earth sciences, drawing together all the key strands of ocean study and presenting a holistic view of ocean processes, ancient and modern. ... Read more