Product Description

A state-of-the-ocean report on the sea and its science. After amazing you at how little you know of the ocean, Kunzig swiftly draws you into a compelling narrative of oceanographers past and present. A hugely informative page-turner that confirms Robert Kunzig's position in the top rank of popular science writers. ' Just when it seems Kunzig has told us everything interesting or significant, he dredges up more submerged gems.' American Scientist

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12183 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
The title of Mapping the Deep 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.

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. --Robin Davidson

About the Author
Robert Kunzig is a multiple award winning science writer, and European editor of Discover magazine. He will be supporting publication with extensive UK press and radio interviews, promoting the book as the ideal summer science read.

Customer Reviews

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.

A mezmerizing read.
This is a truly astounding novel. Kunzig has a captivating style and explains complex concepts with ease. The book covers a great amount, but never makes you feel overwhelmed. Each chapter flows into the next as we are taken on a magnificent journey from the beginnings of the universe to the current state of the art in deep sea exploration. The book is furnished with captivation illustrations and images and really brings the deep ocean to life. This is easily the best-written and most captivating non-fiction book I have read.

Fantastic read!!!!
I throughly enjoyed this book and was disappointed to finish it. The realisation of how little we actually know is quite overwhelming. This book is full of information and methodically explains the progresses made by oceanography over the years. The book covers a vast expanse of oceanographic issues, from how do animals survive in the depths of the ocean without sunlight to the problems of overfishing and the impact we are having on an environment we don't yet understand. I would recomened this book to anyone interested in the world around them but be warned it can be quite shocking how little we understand and much we are damaging this precious resource.