About this item
A scientist's exploration of the "ocean engine" -- the physics behind the ocean's systems -- and why it matters.All of Earth's oceans, from the equator to the poles, are a single engine powered by sunlight, driving huge flows of energy, water, life, and raw materials. In The Blue Machine, physicist and oceanographer Helen Czerski illustrates the mechanisms behind this defining feature of our planet, voyaging from the depths of the ocean floor to tropical coral reefs, estuaries that feed into shallow coastal seas, and Arctic ice floes.Through stories of history, culture, and animals, she explains how water temperature, salinity, gravity, and the movement of Earth's tectonic plates all interact in a complex dance, supporting life at the smallest scale -- plankton -- and the largest -- giant sea turtles, whales, humankind.
About the Author
Helen is a physicist, oceanographer and broadcaster with a passion for science, sport, books, creativity, hot chocolate and investigating the interesting things in life. She currently works at UCL (University College London) in London, and is a science presenter for the BBC. More information can be found on her webpages at www.helenczerski.net
