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From the Forest to the Sea: The Ecology of Wood in Streams, Rivers, Estuaries and Oceans is a fascinating new scientific work that discusses the role wood plays in very complex and diverse aquatic ecosystems. Until now almost nothing has been published on this little understood topic. 1. Wood in streams and rivers is a source of food energy for invertebrate organisms; habitat for vertebrate organisms, such as fish; and a structural component that shapes, diversifies, and stabilizes channels while helping to dissipate the water's energy before it can scour channels.2. Wood in estuaries is a major source of food and habitat for obligatory, wood boring, marine invertebrates that in their feeding , break it down and pass usable carbon into the water's current where it enters the detrital based marine food web.3. Wood along the coastline stabilizes sand spits, beaches, and dune complexes, as well as battering rocky shores where it creates new habitats for intertidal organisms and provides small splinters of wood to the coastal food chain.4. Driftwood floating in the open ocean attracts a variety of marine invertebrates and fishes, forming a floating surface community that help organisms colonize new areas. Large fishes, such as tuna, not only feed on smaller fishes attracted to the wood but also drift with it because its movement is controlled by wind and current; thus tuna find the best feeding areas-current interfaces rich in food species. 5. A common textbook perception on marine biology is that, while communities of bacteria can use sulfur compounds as energy and animals can and do live around deep-sea hydrothermal vents through which hot water issues in the ocean's floor, the rest of the oceans bottom is almost devoid of life. But as driftwood becomes waterlogged and sinks, it represents terrestrially-fixed carbon in the energy poor deep-sea where at least three species of wood-borers convert it into a readily available source of detritus that in turn supports the development of complex communities of bottom-dwelling organisms.6. The loss of wood to aquatic ecosystems means destabilization of streams, estuaries, dunes and beaches as well as food chains in the oceans of the world. Sooner or later it may mean the loss of jobs and unique cultural ways of life such as the commercial fishing of certain species. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Not a guide to be missed for the environmentally conscious
The next generation is going to be the key for saving much of the endangered wildlife in the world. "Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving Our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, & Wetlands" discusses what teens can do now to save the endangered creatures of the ocean and fight climate change. All over the the world in many different climates, oceans and other bodies of water are endangered. With everything from political activism to practical little differences, and enhanced with many full color photographs, "Going Blue" is not a guide to be missed for the environmentally conscious.

Great resource for teens and teachers!
I think that you can count on Gulf Shores/Orange Beach students taking action! This is a great book that will have kids and adults rethinking how we effect our water planet. This book is so well written!You can read it cover to cover or just pick it up and read a page at a time.The graphics are outstanding!This book will be used a lot in my 7th grade science class this year!Go Blue! -Wil Tuggle Gulf Shores Middle School ... Read more

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An international symposium on `Ocean, River and Lakes: Energyand Substance Transfers at Interfaces' was held in Nantes, France inOctober 1996. It was the third International Joint Conference onLimnology and Oceanography which brings together specialists of bothenvironments. Considered to be necessary in Europe, this confrontationof two different aspects of common subjects could produce innovativeapproaches. The main purpose concerns scientific researches relative to theinterfaces between various aquatic environment compartments. Theprincipal treated topics are bioavailability and mobility ofsubstances, influence of biotic and abiotic factors on transfers, andfluxes at the interfaces. It is particularly interesting to note thecontribution of Limnologists and Oceanographers on the impact ofnutrients and pollutants, and flux quantification of river basininputs. As well as scientists, this book is also of interest to all engineersand consultants involved in teaching and working in aquaticmanagement, restoration and enhancement. ... Read more

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Each book in this series explores and explains the amazing ecosystems and natural phenomenon of our world. Young scientists get a thorough introduction to jungles, deserts, volcanoes, and much more. The series includes: Arctic & Antartic, Deserts & Dry Lands, Earthquakes & Volcanoes, Jungles & Rainforests, Mountains & Valleys, and Oceans & Rivers. The Changing World series is a companion to the Science Nature Guide series which includes: Amphibians & Reptiles, Birds, Butterflies, Fossils, Freshwater Life, Insects, Mammals, Rocks & Minerals, Seashells, and Wildflowers. ... Read more

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Explores the mysteries of the world's oceans, rivers, and lakes, in a nature study that addresses such topics as the sources of hot springs and geysers, marine animal migration, and waterfalls. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Remembering a great book.
I read this book when I was 17, about eleven years ago.I remember it often and fondly.The crisp illustrations and concise words stirred my imagination, helping me envision the way the natural world's interlaced threads in a way that dry textbooks never could.

And how much more valuable is a book describing the history and science behind water, the variable substance that makes our lives and world possible, than the current trend of microhistories of such slight subjects as toothpicks or oysters?

There was only one review posted for this book at of the time of my writing, and this book greatly affected my thinking at a pivotal time of my life: I had to put in my two cents before I purchased another copy.

An educational and entertaining look at the water around us.
Birds in the Waterfall takes you on a round-the-world tour of the water in, over and all around us. You will never look at water the same way again.Filled with facts to challenge any textbook, it nevetheless reads like an adventure novel.A great read! ... Read more

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Describes the origin, animal and plant life, and behavior of rivers, discussing the resources they provide for humans, how they are endangered, and how they can be protected. Includes case studies and activities. ... Read more

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This guide is for amateurs and professionals who find pleasure and excitement in beachcombing for stranded tropical seeds and fruits (sea-beans) on beaches ranging from Norway and Holland to South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and South Florida. Included are over 100 accurately and beautifully illustrated line drawings of the common sea-bean. These drawings, along with a key and detailed descriptions, make it possible for the first time to correctly identify a sizable number of tropical drift fruits and seeds from beaches around the world. Also contained in this guide is a section on planting and growing these seeds and fruits, many of which are from common plants of the tropics. Much useful information on polishing sea-beans and making them into artifacts of various kinds is also provided, as sea-beans are commonly fashioned into jewelry and keepsakes in many parts of the world. Readers will be fascinated by the histories of these tropical seeds and fruits. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Sea Bean Book
This is a good book. It is scientific & complete with excellent drawings of sea beans. It is a must for any sea bean collector.

Nice enough?
A 1976 classic, reprinted at the occasion of the 1999 Sea-Bean Symposium. As reprints go this is quite good, with a sturdy cover. The book consists of a general part (Introduction, History, Currents & Beaches, Collecting & Uses, Key) and a catalog. The latter, which comprises just over half the book, consists for each entry of a page (or less) of text and a page (sometimes three) of line-drawings. The line-drawings are not of top quality but adequate.

Although it is good to have this back in print it would have been far preferable to see a revised, expanded and updated edition. In this day and age the black & white photographs in the general part look distinctly out of place, especially for such an appealing subject matter, lending itself so well to spectacular color photography. The topic deserves better? ... Read more

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Describes how modern life is affecting ponds, rivers, and lakes globally and discusses possible ways of saving the endangered species in these waterways. ... Read more

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Marine Flatworms provides a fascinating introduction to the intriguing world of polyclad flatworms, a group of large, free-living marine Platyhelminthes, which are found throughout the world but are most colourful in tropical waters. Although not related to molluscs, they are often mistaken for sea slugs because of their brilliant colour patterns.

Written in an accessible style by two leading experts in the field, this book explores flatworms’ unusual structure, feeding habits, their curious reproductive behaviour (including ‘penis fencing’), their mimicry and toxicology.

With a foreword by Professor Reinhardt Kristensen of the Copenhagen Zoological Museum, Marine Flatworms is the first comprehensive guide to polyclad families and genera. It contains more than 300 colour photographs from every part of the world ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A well-photographed book on a little-known marine animal.
The pictures were well-labeled, explained, and interesting. This is the first (to my knowledge) informative book on polyclads at this level of scientific detail; the first of many, hopefully. Well narrated and a must-have for marine biology enthusiasts and professionals alike.

An unknown world
Marine Flatworms : The wolrd of Polyclads leads the reader into an unknown world. As a diver I had sometimes notices these ephemere animals, gliding like little carpets over the reef, but I had never really given them a second look. This book - without being just for the biologically initiated - provides you with information on everything you have never thought you would know about these aninmals that are too fragile to be picked up at all- and this includes mimicry, eating and reproduction habits. It even includes a guide how too catch them (not to be recommended, I would think). In its colourfull photographs many sepcies of flatworms are presented; often so unknown to science that they have no name as yet. A must for divers and biologists interested in the Pacific and elsewhere.

Prize winning photography and text by the experts!
This gorgeous book won the Eureka prize for best science writing.It is full of amazing pictures and amazing information about a group of animals that aren't seen very often on reefs but are a real treat.The authors are world experts, so this is an authoritative book, yet very easy to read. ... Read more

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What would you see if you sat at the edge of a pond and looked into the water? In this hand-size book, Anne Hunter illustrates in loving detail the creatures that live in and around a pond-a water strider, a tadpole, a red-winged blackbird, a painted turtle, and more. Each illustration is accompanied by simple yet detailed text describing the animal's characteristics and habits. Young readers can put this book into a pocket or a backpack and take it with them to the pond. The artwork and simple sense of wonder will inspire children to explore their environment. What's Under the Log? is the perfect accompaniment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

small but good book
Small book,too small for reading at circle time to group of children. Hardback cover is approx. 5"x5" with pictures inside much smaller. This would be a nice book for one on one or independent reading, or leaving in science area, it has a lot of good information.

painstaking 3-d detail inspiring sense of wonder
These painstakingly detailed, beautiful drawings are serene, pensive, yet light-hearted 3-dimensional renditions of these tiny creatures. The text and illustrations inspire a closer look and sense of wonder for smallchildren and their adult companions. And it fits in your pocket! ... Read more

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The Ecosystems series is the only source that offers a complete understanding of global ecology. Illustrated with beautiful full-colour photographs, each volume combines the "hard sciences," such as biology and chemistry, with history, economics, and environmental studies. Each ecosystem is presented in its entirety with details on its history, biology, wildlife, beauty, problems, and influence on culture. This interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the complex, interrelated nature of each biome - giving readers the most integrated portrayal of the natural world available. Each volume spans Europe, Asia, Australia, Antarctica, and the Americas to present a particular ecosystem. Coverage offers a basic introduction to ecological concepts and demonstrates how these concepts influence the complex relationship between humans and the environment. ... Read more

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These four companion books take a dramatic look at our watery planet.

"From space, Planet Earth is blue. It floats like a jewel in the inky black void. The reflection of the sun's light from the vast expanse of water covering its surface creates it gemlike blue color. In the entire solar system, Earth is the only planet that has water in liquid form in such quantities."Scientist have calculated that 70 percent of our planet is covered by water; small wonder that the human being shave always been so fascinated by the oceans and what lies beneath. Today, while we still have so much more of the ocean realm to uncover, we have discovered enough to know that beneath the waves lies a vast treasure-trove of rich and diverse life.Accompanying the television series of the same name, The Blue Planet leads up on a voyage of exploration from the coasts, the very edges of the oceans, to the deep where weird and monstrous fish lurk in a world of perpetual darkness. Along the way we are introduced to a whole host of wonderful creatures -- from tiny copepods to majestic blue whales, and from the grotesque hairy anglerfish, to the amazing tripod fish that stands on its three delicate legs waiting to snap up unsuspecting prey.Complete with a foreword by Sir David Attenborough and 400 full-color photographs, The Blue Planet is the first complete and comprehensive portrait of the whole ocean system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Brilliant and Beautiful
The pictures are what originally drew me to the book but the writing is also far better than any other ocean life book I have found.This is very entertaining and has a lot of good information.

"The Blue Planet - Seas of Life"!
The Blue Planet - Seas of Life is the companion book to the BBC documentary of the same name. As has been mentioned in earlier reviews, the photography is stunning. The book is very concise, easy to follow (although at times it can get a little technical) and really, just fun to read.

Seeing as how it's the companion book to the series, it has a lot of shared information and is quite similar. Still, there is plenty of new information not mentioned in the series. There are, though, a few differences in the order of programs from the series and chapters from the book...


Programs:

1. OCEAN WORLD

2. FROZEN SEAS

3. OPEN OCEAN

4. THE DEEP

5. SEASONAL SEAS

6. CORAL SEAS

7. TIDAL SEAS

8. COASTS


Chapters:

1. THE WATER PLANET: With water generally so available to us at the turn of a tap, it is easy to forget how essential it is for life on Earth. Water, collected in the great ocean basins, regulates the planet's temperature and climate as well as providing numerous habitats for plant and animal life.

2. LIFE ON THE EDGE: Around the borders of the ocean, where the land meets the sea, lie some of the most challenging of the ocean habitats. From sandy beaches to rocky shores and river estuaries, waves and weather constantly erode coastal areas. While many creatures come here to breed, there are few permanent residents. Those that do live here must be hardy and adaptable enough to survive the daily ebb and flow of the tides, which transform their habitat on a daily basis.

3. TROPICAL SEAS: The warm waters of the tropics are relatively poor in nutrients and oxygen, making substantial stretches of the shallows somewhat barren. However, in certain areas, where conditions are favourable, seagrass beds, mangroves and the most diverse marine communities of all - coral reefs - can be found. The efficient recycling of nutrients in these habitats allows them to flourish.

4. TEMPERATE SEAS: The green, algae-rich waters of the world's temperate zones are some of the most productive on the planet. These intensely seasonal areas see an annual cycle of boom and bust that depends upon the plankton: a bounty for which many animals will migrate thousands of miles to harvest. These waters are also home to most of the world's seaweed and the underwater cliffs are festooned with invertebrates that are as colorful as any coral reef.

5. FROZEN SEAS: The perimeters of the frozen seas of the Arctic and Antarctic attract surprising numbers of birds, seals and whales. But most of these migrate away as the annual sea ice forms in autumn; only a handful remain to cope with the rigours of a polar winter.

6. THE OPEN OCEAN: Much of this seemingly limitless wilderness is a virtual desert, yet in the right conditions life explodes into intense productivity. This is a world in perpetual motion: plankton engage in an incessant daily migration from the dark depths to the surface and back, and many of the most powerful marine predators cruise these shelterless seas in search of prey. But simply finding food is not enough: somehow each species must ensure the survival of their offspring in this most unforgiving of habitats.

7. THE DEEP: Below 150 m (492 feet), where there is no longer enough light for photosynthesis, the deep ocean begins. By far the largest habitat for life on Earth, it is also the one about which we know least, since the enormous pressures and perpetual darkness make exploration extremely difficult. Until very recently thought to be barren, we now know that in these inhospitable waters lives a rich variety of extraordinary creatures that have adapted in a variety of ways for life in this challenging environment.


A great companion book to the series (can also work as a stand-alone volume) is well worth the time it takes to read it, (and it does take a while, seeing as how there's 380+ pages) highly recommended!

Not as it was billed...
Blue Planet I was disappointed to see that the book, promised to be unread, had indeed been read. I was astonished to see that the seller had placed stickers bearing his logo on the dust jacket -- three times!

Great Book
Got this for my 7 year son who loves anything to do with whales and the ocean. Great pictures and interesting facts. It is a beautiful book.

The Book of the Ocean
This was a very good book and it goes great with the Blue Planet video series. Ocean creatures are amazing. I bet you'll at least find at least one thing in this book you have never known before. If you love the ocean and want to know what's in it, this will be an excellent book to read. ... Read more