This Encyclopedia is designed to accumulate and systematize our knowledge about the unique natural water areas – the Barents, White and Kara seas, their wealth, the events that took place on its waters and shores, and the remarkable people whose lives were and are closely intertwined with the seas. The Encyclopedia contains about 900 terms and concepts related to the seas. It describes geographical features: rivers, lakes, straits, bays; provides information about towns, seaports, transport communications, basic aquatic biological species, nature reserves, national and international programs for the study of the sea, research institutes, historical monuments, activities of prominent explorers and travelers, researchers and scientists. The Encyclopedia includes a chronology of major historical events connected with the Western Arctic seas for more than 1200 years.
Prof. Igor S. Zonn is the General Director of Engineering Scientific-Production Center for Water Economy, Reclamation and Ecology in Moscow, Russia. His research has focused on the case studies about desert development, desertification, reclamation and water management in the arid lands, on regional climate change, socio-economic and environmental problems of the Aral, Caspian and Black seas.
Prof. Andrey G. Kostianoy is a Chief Scientist at the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, in Moscow, Russia. He is a specialist in physical oceanography. His research has focused on satellite monitoring, oceanography of coastal zones, regional climate change and environmental problems of the Black, Caspian and Aral seas.
Prof. Dr. Aleksandr Semenov is a marine biologist, explorer and underwater photographer, head of the divers' team at Moscow State University's White sea biological station. He is used to diving in unfavourable and often harsh conditions where he successfully conducts complex research projects. His own goal is to study underwater life through camera lenses and to boost people's interest in marine biology, sharing all his finding on social media and in real life through public lectures, exhibitions and media events. He has the amazing opportunity to see beauty in the darkness underwater, and this led him to multiple collaborations with the National Geographic, Discovery Channel, the BBC, Nature, Smithsonian and many more.
"The encyclopedia has over 1,200 terms covering a wide range of topics, notably aquatic life, oceanography, shipping, industry, and the people associated with Arctic exploration and geography. [...] The volume (and the set) are suitable for libraries supporting researchers at all levels in programs spanning environmental sciences, geology, geography, oceanography, and Russian studies. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners; general readers."
– J. C. Stachacz, Choice, Vol. 55 (6), February 2018