ABSTRACT
The contents of this book attempt to emphasise the most important aspects of ocean processes, and their perspective through geological time. Key features and concepts are illustrated in Figure 13.1. The holistic approach of addressing ocean history in relation to its modern setting may provide a means of more clearly seeing the future. The oceans have had a magnificent past, a troublesome present, but hopefully great times ahead. Of the latter, there is no certainty. Perhaps the best lesson from studying palaeoceanography is that change in past times has been far more catastrophic than anything that is happening today. The 'gloom and doom' scenario has not reached crisis point yet, and it may or may not do so, but is it worth taking the chance? To misquote the phrase that has driven the Earth sciences (The present is the key to the past'): 'The present knowledge of ocean processes is the key to their future.'
