Includes bibliographical references (p. [253]-265) and index.

Part A considers essential features of the oceans, such as the nature of seawater and the movement of ocean waters, the interaction between the Earth's crust and the ocean, and marine sedimentary deposits and ecosystems. It is written in such a way that those with little previous knowledge of physics and chemistry will be able to grasp the key processes, for later application in the book and elsewhere. Part B shows how oceans have developed through the geological past, and demonstrates long- and short-term processes, which are of great relevance to understanding current and recent ocean change. Part C addresses environmental issues such as the degradation of the marine environment and the anthropogenic greenhouse.