This single-volume resource explores the five major oceans of the world, addressing current issues such as sea rise and climate change and explaining the significance of the oceans from historical, geographic, and cultural perspectives. * Introduces readers to the five major oceans of the world and provides ready-reference entries relating to geography, the environment, science, history, and culture * Entries are engaging and accessible to all readers from high school to university students to general readers * Includes sidebars of "fun facts" throughout the text that highlight interesting oceanic subtopics