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
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Amazon 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.
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First Sentence
THREE hundred thousand years after the Big Bang, when the primordial fireball had cooled to a mere 5,000 degrees or so, electrons fell into orbit around protons. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
THREE hundred thousand years after the Big Bang, when the primordial fireball had cooled to a mere 5,000 degrees or so, electrons fell into orbit around protons. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
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.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
the book is informative and facinating. it gives details of new and interesting angles of marine science, the book is up to date and also contains the historical aspects of marine science. a reconmended read for anyone with an interest in the ocean.
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4.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
East to read and highly informative
This is a lovely, easy-to-read book about the history of oceanography. It covers many aspects of this broad subject including biological, geological and physical oceanography. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jonathan Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential reading
Having picked this book purely by subject matter, the small cost allowing me as a student to add another reference to my assignments, I read it from cover to cover and recommended... Read more
Published on 6 Feb 2011 by Mitchellsbouy
5.0 out of 5 stars
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
This book was on the recommended reading list of a course I am studying with the Open University. I found it to be both fascinating and very useful. Read more
Published on 30 Aug 2009 by Am Bellerby
4.0 out of 5 stars
Well worth it
Quick read; easy to understand; enjoyable; wide coverage but insufficient depth of explanation at times; excellent value for money. Read more
Published on 11 Aug 2008 by Mike
5.0 out of 5 stars
a masterclass in how to make science interesting
Robert Kunzig won the Aventis Science Book of the Year award for Mapping the Deep.In my opinion it is the best science book written in the last ten years. Read more
Published on 19 July 2006 by dan the fan
2.0 out of 5 stars
don't believe the hype
I had to read this book as part of my degree. It was really really reallyyyyyyyyyyyy... boring. It wasn't very well written although it contains a few interesting facts they are... Read more
Published on 21 May 2005
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating science, well and wittily written.
Really enjoyed this book, the science is not new, but covered well, concisely and accurately. I found the book hard to put down and the anecdotes about scientists and their... Read more
Published on 16 April 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Popular science winner
Just in case anyone is put off by the slip of words in the review below - this isn't a novel - it is a state-of-the-ocean account of the deep sea, and a narrative of the scientists... Read more
Published on 31 Dec 2001 by M. Ellingham
5.0 out of 5 stars
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. Read more
Published on 2 July 2001
5.0 out of 5 stars
AVENTIS SCIENCE BOOK OF THE YEAR
Acclaimed American science journalist Robert Kunzig has just won the world's most prestigious prize for popular science writing. Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2001
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