"Internationally renowned deep-sea pioneer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia A. Earle, in consultation with experts from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is our peerless guide. This atlas is geared to the popular reader and geography buff rather than to expert oceanographers and geographers. The design emphasises multiple access points for readers who wish to dip in and out of the pages at their leisure. And the text has been written to be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in learning more about the ocean and its mysteries.In light of disastrous natural events - the tsunami of 2004, Katrina and Rita of 2005, and the role of the oceans in global warming, featured almost daily in the media - the link to the oceans is front and center in our lives. In this new atlas, understand the impact of the ocean on these phenomena and how human maintenance of its creatures and of its reefs and of its waters in general will keep the planet going. This altas is richer, more informative, and more timely than ever."