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This third edition of
Practical Handbook of Marine Science
provides the most comprehensive
contemporary reference material on the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the marine
realm. Since the publication of the second edition of this book 5 years ago, there have been
significant advances in nearly all areas of marine science. It is the focus of this volume to examine
these developments and to amass significant new data that will have appeal and utility for practicing
marine scientists and students engaged in investigations in oceanography and related disciplines.
Because of its broad coverage of the field, this volume will be valuable as a supplemental text for
undergraduate and graduate marine science courses. In addition, administrators and other professionals
dealing in some way with the management of marine resources and various problems
pertaining to the sea will find the book useful.
Much of this third edition consists of updated material as evidenced by the large number of recent
references (1995 to 1999) cited in the text. This edition contains a systematic collection of selective
physical, chemical, and biological reference data on estuarine and oceanic ecosystems. It is comprised
of six chapters: Physiography, Marine Chemistry, Physical Oceanography, Marine Geology,
Marine Biology, and Marine Pollution and Other Anthropogenic Impacts. Each chapter is arranged
in a multisectional format, with information presented in expository, illustrative, and tabular formats.
The main purpose of this handbook is the same as the two previous editions: to serve the
multidisciplinary research needs of contemporary marine biologists, marine chemists, marine geologists,
and physical oceanographers. It is also hoped that the publication will serve the academic
needs of a new generation of marine science students.
I wish to acknowledge my colleagues who have been instrumental in enabling me to gain new
insights into the complex and fascinating world of marine science. In particular, in the Institute
of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University I am thankful to Kenneth W. Able, Michael
P. DeLuca, Richard A. Lutz, J. Frederick Grassle, John N. Kraeuter, and Norbert P. Psuty. I also express
my deep appreciation to the editorial staff of CRC Press, especially John B. Sulzycki, who supervised
all editorial and production activities on the book, and Christine Andreasen, who provided technical
editing support on the volume. Finally, I am most appreciative of my wife, Jo-Ann, and sons, Shawn
and Michael, for recognizing the importance of my commitment to complete this volume and for
providing love and support during its preparation. |