World Ocean Atlas, Vol. 3: Arctic Ocean

Summary

Brenton M. Barr reviews Volume 3, Arctic Ocean, of the World Ocean Atlas, edited by S. G. Gorshkov, and Pergamon’s 1983 English supplement. Its seven sections cover exploration, seafloor morphology, climate, hydrology, hydrochemistry, biogeography, and geomagnetic and astronomical reference material, with emphasis on climate and hydrology. Barr praises its cartography, colour reproduction, and consolidation of physical information about the Arctic Ocean. He criticizes the absence of data sources and observation periods, which prevents assessment of reliability and independent verification. He also finds the expensive English supplement insufficient as a translation and practical guide, noting omissions and errors.