Book Description

Marine Biogeochemical Cycles, the new edition of the Open University classic, Ocean Chemistry and Deep-Sea Sediments, provides a thorough introduction to the occurrence, distribution, and cycling of chemical elements in the ocean. Developed through years of testing in classrooms and distance courses, the book’s student-friendly layout, writing, and graphics make it ideal for beginning oceanography students, or for non-majors who need to meet their science requirements. It can be used alone, as a supplement, or in combination with other Open University titles in oceanography. This edition covers the basics on the occurrence, distribution, and cycling of chemical elements in the ocean. It has been revised to include updated content, enhanced graphics, and call-out boxes that provide additional explanations. After a brief introduction to sea-floor sediments, the book shows how the activities of marine organisms cycle nutrients and other dissolved constituents within the oceans and influence the rates at which sediments are formed. It goes on to review the carbonate system and shows how sediments may be transported, and what sediments have taught us about the history of the oceans. It also describes the biological and chemical processes that continue long after sediments have been deposited on the deep-sea floor. It features nearly 150 full-color photographs and illustrations with explanatory captions; most are completely new. Marine Biogeochemical Cycles will be a valuable resource for professionals as well as students of oceanography, specifically marine biogeochemistry. * Covers the basics on the occurrence, distribution, and cycling of chemical elements in the ocean * Features full-color photographs and beautiful illustrations throughout * Reader-friendly layout, writing, and graphics * Pedagogy includes chapter summaries, chapter questions with answers and comments at the end of the book; highlighted key terms; and boxed topics and explanations * Can be used alone, as a supplement, or in combination with other Open University titles in oceanography