"Immerse yourself in this beautiful, absorbing guide to the marine world. Earth owes its identity as the blue planet to the vast oceans of water that cover almost 70 percent of its surface. Home to an abundance of marine life and vital in regulating Earth's climate, the oceans are also the scene of daring exploits of exploration, intense rivalries between trading empires, and global warfare. Combining arresting photography; rich illustrations; and engaging, expertly written text, The Ocean Book showcases the landscapes; plants and animals; and captivating human stories of the world's oceans. Whether you're interested in blue whales, the El Nino climate oscillation, the search for the Northwest Passage, the sinking of Titanic, or pirates, this is the perfect exploration of the ocean realm."--