Tidepools and rocky shores are among the most physically stressful environments on earth. When the tide is high, waves can sweep over plants and animals at velocities as high as 60 miles per hour, while at low tide, the same organisms dry up and bake in the sun. Yet despite this seeming inhospitality, tidepools and rocky shores are exceptionally complex and biologically diverse. This comprehensive encyclopedia is an authoritative, one-stop reference for everyone interested in the biology and ecology of this fascinating and uniquely accessible environment. Conveniently arranged alphabetically, nearly 200 wide-ranging entries written in clear language by scientists from around the world provide a state-of-the-art picture of tidepools and rocky shore science. From Abalones, Barnacles, and Climate Change through Seagrasses, Tides, and Wind, the articles discuss the animals and plants that live in tidepools, the physics and chemistry of the rocky shore environment, the ecological principles that govern tidepools, and many other interdisciplinary topics.
* Generously illustrated with hundreds of color photographs, drawings, and diagrams
* The only comprehensive volume available on tidepools and rocky shores
* Articles include in-depth looks at animal and algal diversity and overviews of the history of research, rocky shore management, and conservation
* Contributors are experts on physics and physical oceanography, experimental ecology, population genetics, taxonomy, and other disciplines

Encyclopedia of Tidepools and Rocky Shores
About the Book
Reviews
“A comprehensive, authoritative, one-stop reference book.”—Biology Digest
“Comprehensive, complete and authoritative.”—Michael Stachowitsch Marine Ecology
“This encyclopedia is a must for libraries and a highlight for a naturalist’s bookshelf.”—Karsten Reise Basic & Applied Ecology
“A 'must buy' for any coastal field centre and definitely recommended as a library text where coastal issues are taught.”—British Ecological Society
“This work is intended for students and the general public and as such should serve both audiences well. Recommended for libraries near rocky shores and those serving marine science programs.”—Library Journal
“A comprehensive review of the marine life and ecology of tidepools and rocky shores.”—Living The Scientific Life Blog
“The breadth of topics covered will ensure a wide readership. . . . Should be an essential reference for anyone with an interest in ‘near-shore science,’ whether an enthusiastic beginner or seasoned professional.”—Quarterly Review Of Biology"This is the book I have been waiting for! Written by experts in each field, this encyclopedia provides a wealth of information not only about the tidepool and shore life but also the oceanography associated with these habitats. This will be a major reference guide for years to come."—Dr. Nigella Hillgarth, Executive Director, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
"The Encyclopedia of Tidepools and Rocky Shores covers much more than one might guess. It ranges from oceanography, to physiology, biomechanics, and conservation science, along with the expected treatment of the diverse groups of organisms that live in those habitats. The coverage of each topic is kept short and comprehensible to almost everyone, from high schools to colleges, and certainly to the general public interested in learning more about this fascinating part of our natural world. Best of all, the editors have managed to get some of the best scientists in the world, the absolute experts in their fields, to write the articles. The relatively short length of each entry also makes this book an ideal source for assigned readings to accompany marine biology, ecology, or oceanography classes, laboratories and field trips. It will be much appreciated by teachers and students."—Ken Sebens, Director of the Friday Harbor Marine Laboratories, University of Washington
"The place where vast oceans meet the land is wondrous, complex and fascinating. Visitors from research scientists to toddlers have explored these ecosystems—one of nature's most popular theme parks. Anyone who has spent time amongst the sea stars, crabs and kelp departs full of unanswered questions. Now these questions can be answered by dipping into the Encyclopedia of Tidepools and Rocky Shores. The editors and contributors to this reference have created a new standard that will be an immediate classic."—Leon Panetta, Director, The Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy
"This volume is a wonderful introduction to the hidden and fascinating world of rocky tidepools. Grab a copy and head out with your kids or students for an outdoor experience that's sure to get them hooked. From remarkable adaptations of marine algae to weird animal life histories, tidepools hold amazing stories to tell. They deserve our interest—and our care—as part of earth's natural systems that sustain us all."—Julie Packard, Executive Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium
"Tide pool lovers the world around will satisfy their curiosity, uncover new gems of insight and renew their wonder of nature at lands' end in this authoritative, fascinating and insightful compilation. Revealed within are the secrets of rocky shores and tide pools—that most dynamic of interfaces between the land and the sea, that treasure chest of rich biodiversity and keen insight, that world where science, literature, beauty and stewardship combine to form the now that integrates the past and tempts the future."—Jane Lubchenco, Oregon State University
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"The place where vast oceans meet the land is wondrous, complex and fascinating. Visitors from research scientists to toddlers have explored these ecosystems—one of nature's most popular theme parks. Anyone who has spent time amongst the sea stars, crabs and kelp departs full of unanswered questions. Now these questions can be answered by dipping into the Encyclopedia of Tidepools and Rocky Shores. The editors and contributors to this reference have created a new standard that will be an immediate classic."—Leon Panetta, Director, The Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy
"This volume is a wonderful introduction to the hidden and fascinating world of rocky tidepools. Grab a copy and head out with your kids or students for an outdoor experience that's sure to get them hooked. From remarkable adaptations of marine algae to weird animal life histories, tidepools hold amazing stories to tell. They deserve our interest—and our care—as part of earth's natural systems that sustain us all."—Julie Packard, Executive Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium
"Tide pool lovers the world around will satisfy their curiosity, uncover new gems of insight and renew their wonder of nature at lands' end in this authoritative, fascinating and insightful compilation. Revealed within are the secrets of rocky shores and tide pools—that most dynamic of interfaces between the land and the sea, that treasure chest of rich biodiversity and keen insight, that world where science, literature, beauty and stewardship combine to form the now that integrates the past and tempts the future."—Jane Lubchenco, Oregon State University