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Mapping the Deep: The extraordinary story of ocean science

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Author : Robert Kunzig
Binding : Paperback
EAN : 9780953522712
ISBN : 0953522717
Label : Sort Of Books
Manufacturer : Sort Of Books
Number of pages : 352
Publication date : 2000-06-29
Publisher : Sort Of Books
Title : Mapping the Deep: The extraordinary story of ocean science
Languages : Array
Studio : Sort Of Books

Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
The title of IMapping the Deep/I suggests that it is primarily about oceanography. Although the extremely interesting history of this subject forms a major element in the book, its broader, richer subject is man's changing relationship with the oceans. Until recently these have been characterised by high-handed ignorance, the oceans seen at once as inexhaustible resource and bottomless dump. Robert Kunzig remarks that politicians and science writers seem to be most interested in space exploration, whereas the real story is closer at hand--in the oceans. The symbolic goals of space exploration are easier to understand than the endlessly complex ecology of the deep oceans or the mysteries of the great currents that circle the globe and control its weather. Yet, as Kunzig demonstrates, the oceans are where the future of mankind may be determined. It is now widely accepted, for example, that global warming may precipitate a sudden, massive realignment of the ocean currents, an event certain to have vast but unforeseeable consequences. The climatic catastrophes attendant on the relatively minor disturbance known as El Nino give an idea of what may be in store. p Mapping the Deep records the extraordinary (and chronically underfunded) work of the scientists who have painstakingly explored the huge chemical, biological and geographical mechanism of the oceans. Robert Kunzig provides expert and gripping accounts of the (literally) earth-shattering revelation of plate tectonics, the novel life-forms of the black smokers, the unexpected diversity of life at the greatest depths, the commanding ecological role played by the overlooked organisms of the oceanic plankton, the dreadful consequences of over-fishing; and much more. His ability to make complex science comprehensible to the non-scientist without over-simplification make him the best kind of populariser. A remarkable book, both a celebration and a warning. --IRobin Davidson/I

Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-08-11 rating:

Well worth it
Quick read; easy to understand; enjoyable; wide coverage but insufficient depth of explanation at times; excellent value for money. br /Not enough pictures/diagrams and some diagrams were too small/fuzzy to see clearly; needed metric measurements - is America the last place in the world to use feet in science books?

review by: date: 2006-07-19 rating:

a masterclass in how to make science interesting
Robert Kunzig won the Aventis Science Book of the Year award for Mapping the Deep.In my opinion it is the best science book written in the last ten years.Scientists know so little about the ocean and most of them know little about how to communicate what they do know to the layman.Kunzig takes their limited knowledge and conveys the great beauty and mystery of the oceans to the reader. br / br /

review by: date: 2005-05-21 rating:

don't believe the hype
I had to read this book as part of my degree. It was really really reallyyyyyyyyyyyy... boring. It wasn't very well written although it contains a few interesting facts they are few and far between.pThis book tries to be both a novel a text book and fails on both accounts, I dont' care if Edward Forbes wanted to be an artist but was refused admission to the Royal Academy in London, this book is full of such useless waffle. Do yourself a favour and don't bother, unless you have to of course in which case read it quick to ease the pain like pulling off a plaster don't say you weren't warned.

review by: date: 2002-04-16 rating:

Fascinating science, well and wittily written.
Really enjoyed this book, the science is not new, but covered well, concisely and accurately. I found the book hard to put down and the anecdotes about scientists and their research raised a few laughs too. and its got pictures! Very nice

review by: date: 2002-01-21 rating:

Superb popular introduction to oceanography
This book is a superb popular introduction to the oceans that fully deserved its prize. Everything you need to know about the sea is here: what is water, where did the oceans come from, plate tectonics, the creatures of the deep, jellyfish, evolution, ocean currents, how the oceans affect climate ... It has a superb set of colour photographs, too: I wish I could get the double-page spread as a poster. My only complaint is about the quality of the binding.

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