The cradle of life, the ocean is a key link in our geological history and major planetary dynamics: the water, carbon, and oxygen cycles, as well as heat transport and energy flows. The vastness of the ocean, its unreachable nature, and our ignorance of this environment led us to believe for a long time that it was an unalterable space, a force of nature that human activity could neither deplete nor disrupt. Today, we know this is not the case: the ocean is the receptacle for all our excesses, with already tangible consequences. Its integrity and biodiversity are threatened by climate change and various other pressures, putting us in jeopardy.
This accessible and pedagogical pocket book covers the questions we ask about the ocean, the state of knowledge we have acquired about the seabed, currents, and tides, its functioning, and the need for its preservation…
How is the ocean affected by human activities? What solutions can we develop to protect the ocean while using its resources? Does the ocean embody our energy future? How can we anticipate sea level rise?
Marina Lévy, Oceanographer, Researcher at CNRS within the Oceanography and Climate Laboratory of the Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute (LOCEAN-IPSL)
Laurent Bopp, Oceanographer, Researcher at CNRS within the Dynamic Meteorology Laboratory of the Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute (LMD-IPSL)
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
The Facts:
- Questions and Answers
- What is the Ocean?
- Why is the Ocean salty?
- What is the depth of the Ocean?
- Where do currents come from?
- How does the Ocean regulate Earth’s climate?
- How do we measure sea water properties?
- How do satellites observe the Ocean?
- Can we simulate the Ocean?
- Are there deserts in the Ocean?
- How many species inhabit the Ocean?
- Why do we depend on the Ocean?
- Why is the Ocean warming?
- What role does the oceanic carbon sink play?
- How far will the waters rise?
- Will the Gulf Stream stop?
- Is the Ocean the lungs of the planet?
- Why is the Ocean becoming more acidic?
- Which species will survive in a warming Ocean?
- Does fishing threaten the Ocean?
- What is the seventh continent?
- What is the impact of maritime traffic on the Ocean?
- Are marine mammals affected by human activities?
- Why do certain beaches get covered with algae?
- Can seaside tourism be sustainable?
- What are the risks associated with deep sea mining?
- Does the Ocean represent our energy future?
- Can we artificially increase CO2 stored in the Ocean?
- What are Marine Protected Areas for?
- How can we anticipate sea level rise?
- Who owns the Ocean?
This book is a must-read for those looking to understand the challenges facing the ocean today and the questions that guide scientific and societal efforts to protect it.
Source : dila.premier-ministre
