"How do the oceans work?" To help readers find the answers, Trujillo and Thurman present in-depth and rigorous discussions of oceanographic concepts and demystify the science for the layperson. Highlights the interdisciplinary relationship between oceanographic phenomena and how those phenomena affect other Earth systems. Incorporates scientific information from geology, chemistry, physics, and biology to illustrate how each of these disciplines relates to the ocean. Updates content throughout to include some of the most recent developments in oceanography, such as the recent Indian Ocean tsunamis and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. A readable, informative reference for anyone interested in learning more about our oceans.