A revision of this introduction to the study of the sea, the second edition has been expanded and reorganized, with many new figures and tables. Every chapter has been updated and many have been rewritten. A new chapter on man's use of the oceans has been included to cover satellites and position fixing, renewable energy sources in the sea, seabed minerals, oil and gas, pollution and maritime law. In this edition, the authors refer to original references and review articles, so that readers can find their way into the literature more easily. The text draws on examples from a wide range of seas.