Marine Sciences

Explores the principal areas and issues of this core science discipline in more than 600 entries, 20 essays, and 200 photographs and line illustrations. This encyclopedia brings together information on marine science from its component and affiliate sciences, along with information on technology, commerce, business, society, and history.

The deep-sea ecosystems include waters and sediments at the lowest layer in the ocean, existing below the thermocline and above the seabed, at a depth of 1000 fathoms (1800 m) or more. They represent the world's largest biome, covering more than 65% of the world surface and including more than 95% of the global biosphere. This book examines the marine biology, geology and human impact of the deep-sea environment. Topics discussed include the stratigraphical distribution and evolutionary classification of the schackoinid planktic foraminifera; the biological characteristics of the skilfish, erilepis zonifer in the North Pacific Ocean; protein degradation at deep-sea sediment; primary production and carbon cycling in the deep-sea; and biodiversity and ecosystem function in the deep-Mediterranean Sea.

The seas and oceans are currently taking centre stage in academic study and public consciousness. From the plastics littering our seas, to the role of climate change on ocean currents from unequal access of marine resources to the treacherous experiences of seafarers who keep our global economy afloat; now is a crucial time to examine how we live with the sea. This ambitious book brings together an interdisciplinary and international cohort of contributors from within and¿beyond¿academia. It offers a range and diversity of insights unlike previous collections.