From the deepest ocean trenches to the vast veils of microscopic plankton that blanket the surface, this richly illustrated reference offers a unique view of the wonders of the world's oceans and seas. Superb photography reveals this fascinating, often unseen, watery world. Beginning with an overview of how oceans and seas were formed, the informative text delves right into the oceans' physical characteristics and features, and continues with an overview of the wide variety of animal and plant life that thrive in this salty, wet environment, including a look at some mythical creatures. The book also covers the adventures and equipment of ocean explorers and travelers. It concludes with a discussion of the need to protect and preserve this irreplaceable natural resource. Any child who has played in the ocean's waves or collected shells along the shore will cherish this book.