The Geography, Nature and History of the Tropical Pacific and its Islands

The Geography, Nature and History of the Tropical Pacific and its Islands
Author: Walter M. Goldberg
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2017-12-08
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319695320

This volume provides an accessible scientific introduction to the historical geography of Tropical Pacific Islands, assessing the environmental and cultural changes they have undergone and how they are affected currently by these shifts and alterations. The book emphasizes the roles of plants, animals, people, and the environment in shaping the tropical Pacific through a cross-disciplinary approach involving history, geography, biology, environmental science, and anthropology. With these diverse scientific perspectives, the eight chapters of the book provide a comprehensive overview of Tropical Pacific Islands from their initial colonization by native peoples to their occupation by colonial powers, and the contemporary changes that have affected the natural history and social fabric of these islands. The Tropical Pacific Islands are introduced by a description of their geological formation, development, and geography. From there, the book details the origins of the island's original peoples and the dawn of the political economy of these islands, including the domestication and trade of plants, animals, and other natural resources. Next, readers will learn about the impact of missionaries on Pacific Islands, and the affects of Wold War II and nuclear testing on natural resources and the health of its people. The final chapter discusses the islands in the context of natural resource extraction, population increases, and global climate change. Working together these factors are shown to affect rainfall and limited water resources, as well as the ability to sustain traditional crops, and the capacity of the islands to accomodate its residents.

World Atlas of Seagrasses

World Atlas of Seagrasses
Author: Frederick T. Short
Publisher: Univ of California Press
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2003
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9780520240476

Seagrasses are a vital and widespread but often overlooked coastal marine habitat. This volume provides a global survey of their distribution and conservation status.

Turning the Tide

Turning the Tide
Author: C. R. Veitch
Publisher: IUCN
Total Pages: 428
Release: 2002
Genre: Biodiversity conservation
ISBN: 2831706823

Includes papers and abstracts dealing with eradication of invasive species in Alaska, Australia, Baker Island, California, Christmas Island, Enderby and Rose Islands, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Howland Island, Japan, Jarvis Island, Laysan Island, Lord Howe Island, Mauritius, Mexico, Nauru, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Northern Mariana Islands, Saint-Paul Island, Seychelles, West Indies.

Twenty-five Best World War Two Sites

Twenty-five Best World War Two Sites
Author: Chuck Thompson
Publisher: ASDavis Media Group
Total Pages: 268
Release: 2002
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780966635263

This indispensible guidebook leads war buffs and casual travelers alike to the 25 best battle sites, memorials, plane wrecks, and relics of World War II.

The Certified Diver's Handbook : The Complete Guide to Your Own Underwater Adventures

The Certified Diver's Handbook : The Complete Guide to Your Own Underwater Adventures
Author: Clay Coleman
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
Total Pages: 386
Release: 2004-04-26
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 0071414606

The real-world guide for divers who want to enjoy their sport to the fullest More than half of the 1.5 million people who achieve scuba certification each year are stymied in their pursuit of the sport because they lack time and money to enjoy the exotic diving experiences they've read about, and don't want to be confined to group dives. The Certified Diver's Handbook is the only guide to help them create their own diving adventures on any budget, on any schedule, in waters local or distant, and without the restrictions of group demands. Thirty-year diving veteran and photojournalist Clay Coleman provides the insider's tips and how-to advice divers need to equip, plan, and execute their own diving expeditions. Divers will learn how to: Buy or rent the best SCUBA equipment at the best prices Plan dives to maximize enjoyment and safety Find great diving sites close to home Master underwater rescue procedures and shore- and night-diving techniques Explore wrecks, reefs, and underwater caves