Essential Oceanography

Having trouble understanding how the ocean, seafloor, and marine life all connect?

Many introductory oceanography books teach these topics separately. This can make it difficult to understand how changes in one part of the ocean can affect the rest of the planet—for example, how warming in the Pacific can influence weather in North America or how deep-sea ridges can affect ocean chemistry.

Essential Oceanography brings these ideas together in one clear and organized book. Across 25 chapters, Dr. Marielle T. Kaufman takes students from plate tectonics and seafloor features to seawater properties, ocean circulation, plankton, coral reefs, deep-sea ecosystems, fisheries, and ocean policy. Each chapter builds naturally on the topics that came before it.

Every chapter includes:

Easy-to-remember key points that highlight the most important facts

Real-world case studies based on marine research

Comparison tables for quick exam review

Two detailed scientific illustrations with clearly labeled structures

The 2026 edition also includes a free companion video course. A QR code inside the book gives you access to more than 100 selected lectures and field videos covering the major topics in the book. The videos are organized by chapter, making it easier to review important concepts quickly.

Whether you are studying marine science, oceanography, or environmental science, Essential Oceanography is designed to be a useful reference throughout your degree—not just for one semester.