The Ocean Basins: Their Structure and Evolution (Open University Oceanography)

This Volume describes the processes that shape ocean basins, determine the structure and composition of the ocean crust, and control the major features of the continental margins. Further subjects examined are the 'hot springs' of the deep oceans, the main pattern of sediment distribution in ocean basins including the recording of past climatic and sea-level changes, and the role of oceans as an integral part of global chemical cycles. Each Volume in this set is well laid out and copiously illustrated with full colour photographs, graphs and graphics. Questions to help develop arguments and/or understanding can be found in the text and at the end of each chapter, with worked answers provided at the back of each Volume. Each chapter also concludes with a sum mary to help consolidate understanding before the next chapter is begun.

An excellent book. Superb diagrams. Beautifully illustrating key facts about the oceans and their development.
Dr R Thompson University of Edinburgh
I found the text extremely useful, clear and straight forward.A valuable introductory text which I will certainly recommend to students on my courses.
Dr Devoy University College Cork
Clearly provides a stimulating introduction for students proposing to specialize in oceanography.
Australian Mineral Foundation
Overall, as an introductory text this book is excellent - well written, concise, pretty comprehensive, logically structured, and beautiful illustrated. It is extremely up to date and covers many exciting recent discoveries (eg black smokers). It will be an almost essential purchase for all students of oceanography and for geologists and geophysicists alike: almost certainly, postgraduate students and even professionals will also find something of interest in it... In short: highly recommended.
Endeavour
What makes the book so exceptional are the impressive diagrams and photos. These make it easy for the reader to understand the brief descriptions of complex relationships. Due to its exceptional didactic structure and impressive graphical presentation, the book offers a quick comprehension of the material studied... The book is an important additional source of information for introductory seminars on marine sciences.
Besprechungsbeleg
Certainly a substantial improvement on the existing Open University texts. Excellent coverage - diagrams particularly strong - superb use of colour. Good format - best design of contents page I have seen, well indexed.
AJ Grind Rod London School of Economics
Lionel Carter
...it is highly readable, well presented and informative.
Marine Geology