Whether in the context of off-shore oil exploration or pure research, the oceans of the geological past have never been of more compelling interest. The recent expansion in oceanographic studies has produced a burgeoning of data on ancient ocean circulation, climate, bathymetry, chemistry, biology, and temperature data that now should be considered in a more general geological and paleontological framework.

Schopf has produced a remarkable synthesis of these data that provides any earth scientist with the background necessary to appreciate the history of the ancient oceans. Each of his seven chapters includes a summary of modern conditions, a major section on methods for determining ancient patterns, and a summary of each oceanographic factor over geological time.

Paleoceanography will serve as an important resource for paleontologists and for a much broader audience of earth and ocean scientists, petroleum geologists, and stratigraphers.

Thomas J. M. Schopf is Professor of Paleobiology, University of Chicago.