Ocean: Facts at Your Fingertips

Description

Everything you ever wanted to know about Earth's oceans in one pocket-sized, easy-to-read guide. Nearly 97 per cent of our planet's water is held in the vast oceans that teem with life. This incredible book on oceans for children aged 9-12 uses stunning images and clear artworks to reveal the secrets of this underwater world. Within the pages of this book, you'll discover the range of organisms - from colossal whales to microscopic plankton - that call the oceans home. Find out also about tidal pools, salt marshes, coral reefs, ocean floor ridges, and the other natural features of these vast bodies of water. Learn how the oceans formed, what causes tsunamis, how tidal waves are used to generate electricity, and what marine experts are doing to save our oceans. The catalogue format of this mini-encyclopedia features an amazing photograph of every animal or natural feature, and breaks down even the most complex topics into simple, bite-sized chunks of information, supported by helpful stats. The Pocket Eyewitness series is perfect for all children, whether they are reluctant young readers who want to digest key points about our seas or budding explorers keen to learn all about the oceans. CONTENTS A world of water The five oceans How the oceans were formed Ocean topography Oceanic winds and storms Ocean currents Ocean water Ocean environments History of ocean life Humans and the oceans SEASHORES AND THE COAST The coast Rocky shores Rocky shore life Soft shores Soft shore life Salt marshes and mangroves Shorebirds and seabirds Schools of fish SHALLOW SEAS Shallow seas Seagrass meadow life Kelp forest life Molluscs Crustaceans Echinoderms Fish in shallow seas Cartilaginous fish Coral reefs Coral reef life THE OPEN OCEAN Ocean waters The sunlit zone The food chain Jellyfish Predators Cartilaginous fish Filter feeders Cetaceans Ocean birds The twilight zone The midnight zone Hydrothermal vents POLAR WATERS Polar oceans Polar life HUMANS AND THE OCEANS Sailing the oceans Explorers Deep-sea exploration Modern ships Ocean recreation Food from the oceans Energy Oceans in peril Saving the oceans Fascinating facts Did you know? Glossary Index Acknowledgments