On this day in history...
...in 2011, the book "Descriptive Physical Oceanography: An Introduction" was published. It is widely recognised as a cornerstone resource in the field of oceanography. First published in 1964, it has been updated over the decades, with the sixth edition released in 2011. Edited by Lynne D. Talley, George L. Pickard, William J. Emery, and James H. Swift, this comprehensive work spans nearly 600 pages, which extend to almost 1,000 pages when including the abundant supplementary material. This additional content significantly enriches the book, making it an even more valuable tool for understanding physical oceanography.
The book covers a wide range of topics, starting with an introduction to descriptive oceanography and progressing through ocean dimensions, physical properties of seawater, global circulation patterns, and detailed regional studies of the world's oceans, such as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic. Its structure ensures a thorough exploration of both fundamental and advanced topics, balancing descriptive insights with discussions of key dynamical processes.
The sixth edition remains an essential reference for students, educators, and researchers in oceanography, combining rigorous detail with clarity and accessibility. It has a companion website with several relevant resources to enrich the process of learning about phisical oceanography.
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