Investigating Oceanography

Investigating Oceanography, 4th Edition, by Keith Sverdrup and Raphael M. Kudela, is an oceanography textbook published by McGraw-Hill Higher Education. The volume presents historical, geological, physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean environment to support student learning across Earth science subjects.

The thematic progression begins with the history of oceanography and the water planet before advancing into Earth structure, plate tectonics, sea floor topography, and marine sediment distribution. The narrative then transitions into atmospheric interactions, thermal ocean structure, large-scale circulation patterns, surface waves, tides, and coastal dynamics including beaches and estuaries. Dedicated biological chapters explore living systems, detailing plankton, free-swimming nekton, and benthic sea floor organisms.

To connect textbook content with ongoing scientific research, the volume features specialized essays contributed by marine scientists who address targeted topics in ocean science. These supplemental readings provide clear real-world context for introductory oceanography students evaluating contemporary marine studies.