Oceans: A Very Short Introduction
SKU: 6700055613

Oceans: A Very Short Introduction

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Oceans: A Very Short IntroductionThe importance of the oceans to life on Earth cannot be overstated. Liquid water covers more than 70% of our planet's surface and, in past geological time, has spread over 85%. Life on Earth began in the oceans over 3. 5 billion years ago and remained there for the great majority of that time. Today the seas still provide 99% of habitable living space, the largest repository of biomass, and holds the greatest number of undiscovered species on the

The importance of the oceans to life on Earth cannot be overstated. Liquid water covers more than 70% of our planet's surface and, in past geological time, has spread over 85%. Life on Earth began in the oceans over 3.5 billion years ago and remained there for the great majority of that time. Today the seas still provide 99% of habitable living space, the largest repository of biomass, and holds the greatest number of undiscovered species on the planet. Our oceans are vital for the regulation of climate, and with global warming and decreasing land area, they have become increasingly important as the source of food, energy in the form of oil and gas, and for their mineral wealth. Oceans also form a key part of the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements critical to life. Nutrients in upwelling areas are spread by ocean currents, and the plankton of the seas supports a wealth of wildlife.

In this Very Short Introduction Dorrik Stow analyses these most important components of our blue planet and considers their relationship with, and exploitation by, humans. He shows how the oceans are an essential resource to our overpopulated world, and discusses why exploration and greater scientific understanding of the oceans, their chemistry, and their mineral wealth are now a high priority. Stow also explores what we know of how oceans originate, and evolve and change; the shape of the seafloor and nature of its cover; the physical processes that stir the waters and mix such a rich chemical broth; and the inseparable link between oceans and climate. As polar ice melts and sea-levels rise, countless millions who have made their homes on low-lying lands close to the sea are threatened. As scientific exploration of the seas gathers pace, the new knowledge gained of the ocean-Earth systems and their interaction with the human environment is vital to our understanding of how we can preserve these ultimately fragile environments.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 10/01/2017
ISBN: 9780199655076
Pages: 152
Weight: 0.40lbs
Size: 6.80h x 4.30w x 0.50d
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SKU: 6700055613

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Erin Allen
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Read this review. This pillow saved me.
Size: Standard/Queen (Pack of 1), Style: High Loft (6"-7")
I have to testify about this pillow, my brothers and sisters. Ever since I hit my 30s, my body has gone down. Aches and pains. Pops. Crackles. Snaps. It’s ridiculous. Over the last 2 years, I have managed to injure a muscle in my shoulder and the pain is unbearable when it is inflamed. I finally narrowed it down to the pillow I was sleeping on. I have an attachment to a pillow I’ve owned for over 20 years - that’s another story. I could fold it 3 times and it was finally thick enough to support my head. My shoulder got so tore up recently that I had to go through 2 rounds of steroids plus round the clock ibuprofen. Waking up in the night, the whole ordeal. I ordered this pillow after much research all over the internet. I was appalled by the $165 price ticket. But when you’re in that level of pain, you’re just about willing to do whatever it takes. The first night I immediately noticed I got more consecutive hours of sleep than I had in weeks. A week later and my shoulder is pain free. I could’ve cried. The height of this pillow stabilizes my neck and shoulders perfectly. It is firm, but gives and contours to your neck and head. It’s a heavy pillow but I don’t even care. Truly I don’t think I’ll ever go back. This pillow has saved my shoulder and I’ll never stop thanking God for it. If you’re experiencing back, shoulder, or neck pain and are considering this pillow, just order it. Please. Just do it. I’m forever changed. But I’m still keeping 20 year old pillow… just for sentimental purposes. 😂
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2025
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Jacky Liu
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Really good pillows
Number of Items: 1, Number of Items: 1
I’ve been using this pillow for a while now and it’s honestly one of the most comfortable pillows I’ve tried. It has a soft, cloud-like feel but still gives enough support for my neck and shoulders. I’m a side sleeper and it keeps its shape well through the night. The material feels high quality, and it doesn’t go flat like cheaper pillows. Definitely improved my sleep quality and worth the purchase.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026
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DPLK
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Soft AND supportive
Number of Items: 1
I knew I needed a very soft pillow - all the foam pillows I had bought recently to try to upgrade our home pilllow selection seemed ok to the touch but were still too firm once I tried them out, but recently I also had some neck pain that needed some gentle support and the old old foam pillow I had that was so very soft was losing its supportive qualities and the pain wasn’t getting better. This one seemed by description to fit the bill- very soft by the company’s own definition but also with support. I’m happy to report this is exactly as advertised- the softest foam pillow I’ve tried out of the box but also good support. Pain has improved since I started using this pillow. I would buy more if we need more pillows, it’s perfect for me and I think would be comfortable for most people. I think you just need to figure out how firm you need your pillow and also height preference . I’m an all over sleeper -back, side, even belly sometimes, so it’s fine for me, but it is a little taller compared to other pillows I’ve bought recently. I didn’t compare/try other prominent pillow brands, mostly my experience is Ikea (my daughter uses a very flat and nice foam pillow from them that is even a little pricier than this one and it works well for her), and whatever brands happen to be available at target and Costco. This price point for a name brand is reasonable, I think; I was looking at other brands way over $100, and I was willing to spend that much for something that would work long term, so this one working was great. Also, this definitely does not have any cooling effect technology, which is fine by me, but something to consider if you do like cool pillows. (Although, PSA: I recently had to throw away older foam pillows that had those cooling gel panels because the gel panels started disintegrating into sticky ooze; gross and had to throw away whole pillow because couldn’t dissociate from rest of the pillow. Sad cuz the foam part of those pillows were fine.) Anyway, if you like softer pillows but want good support, this one works well and is worth trying!!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2025
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Lori Wornom
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
Flatter than a regular pillow but nice and soft
Number of Items: 1
Is it softer than a typical memory foam pillow? Yes. But it’s also a lot flatter. I don’t find this pillow rebounds very well. It’s good for stomach sleepers but not so much for side sleepers. I’m a 2/3 of the night side sleeper so it’s unfortunately not my magic pillow.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2026
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Matt
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Best pillow for my neck pain.
Number of Items: 1
I've tried so so many pillows to relieve my neck pain at night and this one is the first pillow that has actually worked. I was skeptical at first as this pillow is heavy and dense but one night and I was hooked. I couldn't believe I found a pillow that actually not only was comfortable but also relieved my neck strain. It's worth the cost to now be able to wake up without pain.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026

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