The Sea Surface and Global Change

Thorough review of sea-surface microlayer properties and role in global change.

The sea surface, essentially the top millimetre of the ocean, is the critical interface of the sea with the atmosphere. Ozone depletion and marine pollution may have significant effects on global change via this layer. This first comprehensive account in a decade describes the properties of the sea surface and how it may influence global phenomena such as climate in the future.The sea-surface microlayer has often been operationally defined as roughly the top 1000 micrometres of the ocean surface. Considerable new research over the past 10 years has led to increased understanding of this vitally important interface between the ocean and the atmosphere, and how it may interact with global change processes. This book offers the first comprehensive review of the physics, chemistry and biology of the surface microlayer in a decade. In addition to a review of these fundamental features, the authors address the potential global marine impacts at the air-sea interface of such phenomena as large-scale atmospheric ozone depletion, climate change and industrial pollution. Environmental scientists, oceanographers and atmospheric scientists interested in global change will welcome this authoritative reference work, at graduate or research level.