Marine sciences: notable research and discoveries

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. The Ocean Depths: Exploring the Seabed

Introduction

Deep-sea Submersibles

Office of Naval Research

Mapping the Ocean Floor from Space

Geological Processes that Shape the Ocean Floor

Resources Located beneath the Ocean Floor

Sunken Vessels-Wood, Iron, Treasure Chests, and Nuclear Reactors

Living on the Ocean Floor

Conclusion

Chronology

Further Resources

2. Mid-ocean Ridge-The Largest Single Volcanic Feature on the Planet

Introduction

Seafloor Spreading

Formation of Ridges

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Effects of Ridges

Oceanic Crust and Earth's Magnetic Field

Hydrothermal Vents

Extremophiles-Living in Extreme Conditions

Conclusion

Chronology

Further Resources

3. Creatures of the Deep Sea

Introduction

Animals of the Deep

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)

Adapting to the Depths

Deep-sea Ecosystems and Food Chains

Bioluminescence

The Chemical Reaction of "Cold Light"

Whales and Giant Squid

Applications of the Biology of Extreme Environments

Conclusion

Chronology

Further Resources

4. Tsunami: Killer Waves

Introduction

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The Physics of Tsunamis

Landslides and Meteorites

Undersea Earthquakes

The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004

Tsunami Forecasting

Conclusion

Chronology

Further Resources

5. El Niño and Weather

Introduction

Southern Oscillation-Earth's Atmosphere and El Niño

Wind and Circulation Cells

Effects of El Niño

Forecasting the Oscillations

Tracking El Niño

Tropical Atmosphere Ocean Array

Causes of El Niño

El Niño and Earth's Weather and Climate

Conclusion

Chronology

Further Resources

6. Harmful Algal Blooms-"Red Tides"

Introduction

Algal Blooms That Cause Trouble

New England "Red Tide" of 1972

Toxins of Harmful Algae

Dead Zones-Not Enough Nutrients for Life

Triggering Runaway Growth

Monitoring Algal Blooms

Olympic Region Harmful Algal Blooms (ORHAB) Project

Forecasting Harmful Algal Blooms

Nipping a Bloom in the Bud

Conclusion

Chronology

Further Resources

Final Thoughts

Glossary

Further Resources

Index