Discovering the Deep
A Photographic Atlas of the Seafloor and Ocean Crust

A beautifully illustrated reference providing fascinating insights into the hidden world of the seafloor using the latest deep-sea imaging.

Jeffrey A. Karson (Author), Deborah S. Kelley (Author), Daniel J. Fornari (Author), Michael R. Perfit (Author), Timothy M. Shank (Author)

9780521857185, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 April 2015

430 pages, 24 b/w illus. 506 colour illus. 7 tables
28.3 x 22.8 x 2.3 cm, 1.5 kg

'It is … thrilling to read and/or page through this impressive book by five of the world's experts in marine science. Indeed, authors Karson, Kelley, Fornari, Perfit, and Shank combine their vast collective knowledge of the processes that are responsible for the origin and evolution of the ocean floor and crust to produce a book that this reviewer believes sets a new standard of excellence in both content and clarity in unraveling the mysteries of the mid-ocean ridge - the largest and most prominent geological feature on Earth.' William E. Seyfried, Jr, Oceanography

The deep oceans and global seafloor are truly Earth's last frontier. They remain largely unexplored, yet are critical to our survival on this planet. This magnificent, full-color volume transports you to bizarre landscapes hosting exotic life forms that rival the most imaginative science fiction. Starting with a historical summary of seafloor exploration and the developing technologies used to study this extreme environment, it then describes the distinctive geologic components of the Earth's ocean floor and the unusual biological communities found along the mid-ocean ridges. This is an indispensable reference for researchers, teachers, and students of marine science, and a visually stunning resource that will enlighten and intrigue oceanographers and enthusiasts alike. A suite of online resources, including photographs and video clips, combine with the book to provide fascinating insights into the hidden world of seafloor geology and biology using the latest deep-sea imaging and geological concepts.

Preface: new views of Earth from below the oceans
1. Entering the abyss: oceanographic technology
2. The Earth beneath the sea
3. Diversity in seafloor spreading
4. Hydrothermal vents
5. Submarine volcanism: fire beneath the sea
6. Dike intrusion and sheeted dike complexes
7. Gabbroic rocks: clues to magmatic processes
8. Windows into mantle processes: peridotites
9. Future research
Index.

Subject Areas: Social impact of environmental issues [RNT], Applied ecology [RNC], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Geochemistry [RBGK], Volcanology & seismology [RBC], Animal ecology [PSVS], Geophysics [PHVG]