Science at Sea - by John Marra (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book introduces readers to the practice of biological oceanography through the stories of seagoing scientists.

Book Synopsis

Research at sea is tough. Oceanographers contend with cramped quarters, stormy seas, seasickness, and separation from loved ones. Aboard ship, their work revolves around filtering seawater for plankton and other tiny organisms. Yet the discoveries they make are fundamental to understanding life on Earth.

This book introduces readers to the practice of biological oceanography through the stories of seagoing scientists. John F. Marra explores the development of the discipline from the perspectives of oceanographers who contributed to crucial research programs. He examines many of the major issues in oceanography, emphasizing how conducting research at sea addresses key questions.

Marra focuses on the study of the biological productivity of the sea, specifically photosynthesis. He describes research into phytoplankton, which are the basis of the marine food web, central to the ocean's carbon cycle. He also considers how climate change will affect the future of the ocean.

Science at Sea combines a practical, hands-on look at research methods with vivid portraits of oceanographers and memorable scenes from expeditions. It is an important book for current and aspiring oceanographers and for all curious readers interested in the science of the ocean.

About the Author

John F. Marra is professor emeritus of earth and environmental sciences at Brooklyn College. He was previously a research scientist and associate director of the Division of Biology and Paleoenvironment at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Marra is the author of Hot Carbon: Carbon-14 and a Revolution in Science (Columbia, 2019).