The Ocean Basins: Their Structure and Evolution,
Edition 2
By Open Open University

Publication Date: 26 Jan 1998
Description
This is an invaluable textbook, prepared by the Open University team and designed so that it can be read on its own or as part of the OU course. This second edition has been fully revised and updated including new colour illustrations increasing the striking spread of full colour diagrams throughout the book. The clarity of the text has been improved, providing comprehensive coverage of the evolution of ocean basins and their structure in a clear, concise manner aimed specifically at the student market.

In this second edition the technological advances in fields as diverse as:
- deep-towed instruments for `sniffing' hydrothermal plumes
- mapping the sea-floor by sophisticated sonar techniques
- three-dimensional imaging of crustal structure by seismic tomography
- the use of satellites for navigation, and for making precise measurements of the height of the sea-surface

The first chapters describe the processes that shape the ocean basins, determine the structure and composition of oceanic crust and control the major features of continental margins. How the 'hot springs' of the oceanic ridges cycle chemical elements between seawater and oceanic crust is then explored. Sediment distributions are examined next, to demonstrate how sediments can preserve a record of past climatic and sea-level changes. Finally, the role of the oceans as an integral part of global chemical changes is reviewed.

Key Features

  • High quality full colour diagrams
  • Substantial chapter summaries ideal for revision
  • Answers, hints and notes for questions at back of the book
About the author
By Open Open University, Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
Table of Contents
Introduction; The shape of ocean basins; The evolution of ocean basins; The structure and formation of oceanic lithosphere; Hydrothermal circulation in oceanic crust; Paleoceanography and sea-level changes; The broader picture; Suggested further reading; Answers and comments to questions
Book details
ISBN: 9780750639835
Page Count: 192
Retail Price : £39.99
Audience
Student oceanographer - undergraduate and Masters student level