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Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change

Answers to Your Ocean and Atmosphere Questions

Dave Jones author Ellen Prager author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Columbia University Press

Publishing:19th Dec '24

£20.00

This title is due to be published on 19th December, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change cover

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 humor, 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.

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 *
The tone is often light and sometimes humorous. [This] book invites readers to jump around through the chapters, letting their curiosity guide them to the next topic. The chapter ‘Show Us the Data’ is a good mental martial arts course, giving tips on how [to] defend oneself from lies and misinformation. If I were to pick a chapter of this book to be required reading for high schoolers, it would be this one. * Paul Hormick, The Green Dispatch *
Truth is stranger than fiction. But to appreciate this, you gotta know what’s true and what isn’t. In this delightful book, Prager and Jones set the records straight for you about what’s really weird and weirdly real about the ocean and the planet’s atmosphere—and how to tell the difference. It’s a great read and a great reference, a great resource and great fun. -- Carl Safina, author of Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe

ISBN: 9780231212496

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

248 pages