World Atlas Of Oceans

A monumental achievement in cartography that presents modern oceanography's most important discoveries for the first time Deep-sea exploration is one of the greatest achievements of 20th century science. But while expeditions made sensational news, they were isolated events, offering only a glimpse into a secret world complete with mountains, volcanoes, and a rich variety of animal life. It wasn't until after the Second World War - when the prominent sea-going nations decided to join forces and explore the planet's various oceanographic zones - that a more complete picture of the underwater world began to emerge. The result of this collaborative effort is a remarkable cartographic work compiled by the Canadian Hydrographic Service. The General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) documents the depths of the world's oceans at all of their levels and gradations. In the World Atlas of the Oceans, these charts are available to the general public for the first time. Along with relief maps, illustrations and stunning photography, these remarkable charts help tell the story of Earth's oceans. From Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the Arctic's drifting icebergs, from the Atlantic's North-West Passage to the Pacific's sinking volcanoes, the World Atlas of the Oceans offers a comprehensive look at both the geological history of our oceans and their current incarnations. Detailed discussions of the ocean's animal life - sea cucumbers, whales, dolphins, giant squid - as well as underwater phenomena such as currents, tidal zones, "black smokers," and fish graveyards are also included. Other features include: - bathymetric charts of all oceans, polar and inland seas - relief maps detailing the ocean floors - satellite images of the oceans and selected coastlines - previously unpublished charts of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea - information on currents, trade winds, mineral resources, major shipping routes, shallows and straits - more than 200 spectacular photographs and drawings The World Atlas of the Oceans is an important contribution to our understanding of the planet on which we live. (2001)