Review by Choice Review
As a general survey of marine ecology and diversity, this book presents a visually impressive, topically broad overview. Ecological issues and anthropogenic problems are the lens through which the oceans are viewed, but the author's tone is informative, rather than strident. The work opens with an introduction that sets the stage for a discussion of the imperiled oceans. An overview of ocean geology and physical oceanography (tides, currents, etc.) is followed by chapters dedicated to ocean zones (coasts, temperate water, tropical water, polar water, open water, and the deep ocean). The book concludes with a survey of the major oceans of the world. Each topic is presented in a stand-alone format, usually on one or two (facing) pages, making the book suitable for browsing or jumping from topic to topic. Farndon, author of several science-related books for children and general audiences, meets his stated goal of "sparking interest and ideas.. However, as a resource for further study, the book is hampered by a lack of citations and sources, although it includes an excellent list of environmental and conservation organizations. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers and lower-division undergraduates. S. J. Oliver Worcester State College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Informative and engaging, Atlas of Oceans details the rich ecological diversity beneath the seas. The volume surveys, sometimes in summary fashion, undersea geology and life zones as well as individual oceans and seas. The author, a subject expert, notes the centrality of the oceans to climate, food supply, and biological diversity. However, human intrusion, such as underwater oil drilling and the dumping of millions of tons of refuse into the sea, poses a catastrophic threat. Following an introduction, three section. Ocean World: Rocks and Water. Ocean Life Zones, an. The World's Oceans and Sea. provide the organizational framework for 100 topically arranged entries, which are typically several pages in length. Given their popular tone, individual entries eschew references. Focus articles home in on ecological threats, habitat, life-forms, and global connections. For example, we learn that an increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes an increase in ocean acidity; alien species arriving as stowaways on ships make their presence felt in ecosystems around the world; the collection of plastic soup known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch may be as large as twice the size of the continental U.S. Appendixes include a listing of endangered marine species; a 3-page listing of books, magazines, organizations, and websites; and a 2-page glossary. A 12-page index provides subject access to the contents. Outstanding color photographs and authoritative, accessible text define the Atlas of Oceans, which is recommended for public and undergraduate libraries.--Cannon, Nanc. Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Farndon (How the Earth Works) here presents a combination of coffee-table book and an explanation of the problems of global change, with an emphasis on endangered marine species. The book is divided into broad areas including "Ocean Life Zones" and "World's Oceans and Seas," with chapters and subtopics featuring two-page spreads with full-color illustrations. Farndon also tries to appeal to both UK and American readers by including, e.g., miles/km, ton/tonne, designations. VERDICT This is a book to browse rather than plow straight through. The table on endangered species, index, and glossary are vitally important, so it's a worthy purchase that will be useful to students working on term papers. Readers interested in global change, the effect on the environment, and species survival also will enjoy this in bite-sized pieces.-Jean E. Crampon, Univ. of Southern California Science & Engineering Lib., Los Angeles (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
