United States
£ GBP
Could ancient giant sharks called megalodons still exist in the deep sea? What should you do if stung by a jellyfish? Can we predict lightning strikes and how is climate change affecting hurricanes?
With humour, easy-to-understand language, and fun illustrations, marine scientist Ellen Prager and meteorologist Dave Jones use frequently asked and zany questions about the ocean and atmosphere to combat misinformation and make science engaging and understandable for all. From dangerous marine life, coral reefs, and the deep sea to lightning, hurricanes, weather forecasting, the Sun, and climate change, they reveal what's fact, what's fiction, and how to find science-based answers. This book is perfect for anyone curious about the world around them, educators, science communicators, and even scientists who want to learn about and explain topics outside their expertise.
Note from the Authors
1. The Deep Vast Sea
2. Dangerous Marine Life
3. Jellyfish
4. Other Sea Creatures
5. Coral Reefs
6. Supernatural, Suspicious, or Science
7. Lightning
8. Hurricanes
9. Weather Forecasting and Extreme Events
10. Climate Change
11. The Sun
12. Information Mixology
13. Show Us the Data
14. Questions Anyone? Anyone?
Acknowledgments
Sources and Additional Information
Index
Ellen Prager is a marine scientist, author, and the chief scientist for StormCenter Communications. She also works as a freelance writer and consultant. Her numerous books include Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans' Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter (2011) and Chasing Science at Sea: Racing Hurricanes, Stalking Sharks, and Living Undersea with Ocean Experts (2008).
Dave Jones is a meteorologist and a thirty-five-year veteran of the weather industry. He is the founder of StormCenter Communications and worked as an on-air meteorologist in Washington, DC, and for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Prager and Jones are frequently requested public speakers and appear on television as experts. They are partners in work and in life.
"With today's deluge of misinformation, Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change is sorely needed, giving straightforward answers to commonly asked questions about climate, weather, and the environment."
– Timothy H. Dixon, Distinguished University Professor and Director of the USF Natural Hazards Network, University of South Florida
"In this book, Prager and Jones make atmospheric, oceanographic, and space science exciting and accessible to non-scientists in an interesting and easy-to-follow manner."
– Paul Gross, author of Extreme Michigan Weather: The Wild World of the Great Lakes State
"I am left [...] speechless. The resources at the back could be its own book! As a middle school science teacher this book spoke to my soul, and as a human living on Earth [...] it did the same. ***** 5/5 stars"
– Reading to Infinity
"In an effort to 'promote improved understanding and combat misinformation' in an age where the latter is far too prevalent, marine scientist Prager and meteorologist Jones have compiled 'some of the most frequently asked and zaniest questions' they and their colleagues have encountered. The authors present information in a detailed, frank, and conversational manner and clearly explain technical terms. The text doesn't sugarcoat the dire nature of climate change, but it is lightened and enlivened by a fair amount of humor, especially in the scattered cartoon spot art. The work lends itself to being read cover to cover or dipped into by those who wish to learn more about a specific area, enhancing its usefulness. A solid and engaging overview of a host of scientific concepts."
– Kirkus Reviews
"Poised to become an invaluable resource for educators, science communicators, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the interconnected world of oceans and atmosphere. This book promises to illuminate the wonders of our planet and inspire a new generation of scientific thinkers."
– SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine
"Such a down-to-Earth, easy-to-understand book as this is a most welcome one indeed."
– The Well-read Naturalist
