Book excerpt: Explore the last wilderness left on Earth in this new compact guide to the Ocean From mangrove swamp to ocean floor, mollusc to manatee, Atlantic Conveyer to Hurricane Katrina, unravel the mysteries of the sea. Marvel at the oceans� power and importance to our planet � as the birthplace of life on Earth, a crucial element of our climate, and as a vital but increasingly fragile resource for mankind. You will discover every aspect � from the geology of the sea floor and the interaction between the ocean�s and atmosphere � to the extraordinary diversity of marine life. Dive in for an awe-inspiring view of a watery world few of us have experienced. A beautiful visual essay celebrates the drama of the sea, while stunning illustrations and the latest satellite-derived maps explain and illuminate each natural process and phenomena. Includes an inspiring introduction by Editor-in-chief Fabien Cousteau, grandson of Jacques. Dramatic, thought-provoking, and revealing, Ocean shines a bright and revealing spotlight into the depths of the last wilderness on our planet.