Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences

The Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences was first published in 2001 by Academic Press, which is an imprint of Elsevier. The inaugural edition was edited by a team of renowned scientists: John H. Steele, Steve A. Thorpe, and Karl K. Turekian. It was designed to be a comprehensive reference work covering all major aspects of oceanography.

This multi-volume reference work covers the vast breadth of oceanographic research, including marine biology, chemical oceanography, and physical oceanography. It also addresses specialized topics like marine geology, climate change impacts on the ocean, and ocean technologies. The articles are written to provide summaries of current research for students and professionals.

The print editions are updated periodically, with major new editions released roughly every decade to keep pace with scientific discovery. For academic and library settings, access to the digital version is provided via the ScienceDirect platform, allowing for continuous updates. This ensures that critical data regarding marine ecosystems and climate models reflects the latest science.

The foundational 2001 edition was edited by John H. Steele, Steve A. Thorpe, and Karl K. Turekian, all highly respected figures in marine science. Subsequent editions have been overseen by expanding editorial teams to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of modern oceanography. The editors enlist contributions from thousands of the world's leading marine researchers.