Presents the important discoveries of modern marine exploration and oceanography. Balthymetric charts of the ocean floor, insets of panoramic drawings, deep sea charts, satellite images, previously unpublished charts of the North and Baltic Seas, and detailed relief, historical, and thematic maps provide the geological history of the Earth's oceans and their current incarnations. In addition, the text discusses the oceans' animal life and underwater phenomena; how the oceans were formed and their continuing transformation; their relationship to climate, weather, sun and air; and currents, trade winds, mineral resources, major shipping routes, shallows, and straits. Illustrated with 200-plus color photographs and drawings.