Oceanography is one of the most exciting areas in science, combining the thrill of exploring an otherworldly realm with the insights it gives into how the Earth works in all of its domains. Join us on a scientific expedition to fathom the ocean’s mysteries in 36 intensively illustrated half-hour lessons delivered by a professor and ocean researcher who has visited and mapped underwater landscapes that no human eyes had ever seen before. These lessons can be followed by anyone with a curiosity about the ocean, regardless of his or her background in science. You relive the most stunning discoveries of the last 50 years, assembling the many pieces of the puzzle to gain a comprehensive picture of how the ocean works and how it affects the atmosphere, continents, and the web of life. Above all, you will learn to see the ocean as a single entity of striking complexity. Despite the names we have assigned to different regions of the ocean – Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic – they are all one continuous body of water, dominating the planet with features such as mid-ocean ridges that encircle the globe like the seams on a baseball. Once youIve reviewed the history of sea exploration, meet the incredible diversity of life that depends on the ocean, from the graceful dolphins to the unearthly creatures in the deepest trenches. Investigate the special properties of ocean water that make it indispensable to life. Finally, get a glimpse into the future of the ocean and humanity’s role in defining that destiny. Next time you go to the beach, spend time on a sailboat, take a cruise, or even read a book or watch a movie or nature program about the sea, you will think of the expanse of blue water in a new way, with an enriched understanding of the ocean world.

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• Manufacturer’s warranty only when purchased from The Great Courses