The Power of the Sea describes our struggle to understand the physics of the sea, so we can use that knowledge to predict when the sea will unleash its fury against us. In a wide-sweeping narrative spanning much of human history, Bruce Parker, former chief scientist of the National Ocean Service, interweaves thrilling and often moving stories of unpredicted natural disaster with an accessible account of scientific discovery. The result is a compelling scientific journey, from ancient man's first crude tide predictions to today's advanced early warning ability based on the Global Ocean Observing System. It is a journey still underway, as we search for ways to predict tsunamis and rogue waves and critical aspects of El Niño and climate change caused by global warming. As Parker pithily states, humanity’s primary defense against a violent sea is to get out of its way; but evading the sea’s wrath requires advance notice. Hence prediction is the focal point of Parker’s narrative, and a lively, story-driven one it is. A scientist formerly affiliated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Parker illustrates progress in foreseeing danger though numerous historical instances reaching back to antiquity. The near-deaths of Alexander the Great and Napoléon, who were surprised by tides, open Parker’s discussion of that topic. He twins observers’ collection of data with theorists’ ideas about the cause of tides to illustrate the advance toward modern understanding, adducing Newton’s solution of the problem and the application of tidal knowledge to battles of WWII. The data/theory historical structure guides Parker’s treatment of succeeding subjects of vital contemporary concern, such as hurricanes and storm surges, giant rogue waves, tsunamis, and rising sea level. Riveting readers with analyses of catastrophes such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Parker delivers science in dramatic and digestible form. --Gilbert Taylor “Mixes hair-raising descriptions of disasters with efforts to understand them... the author provides a lucid, original contribution to popular-science writing.” ― Kirkus Reviews “... prediction is the focal point of Parker's narrative, and a lively, story-driven one it is. ... Riveting readers with analyses of catastrophes such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Parker delivers science in dramatic and digestible form.” ― Booklist “Anyone who appreciates the fact that the sea remains something we cannot control will love this book from Bruce Parker. You will come away with a better understanding of why the sea will leave us in awe till the end of time.” ― Jim Cantore, The Weather Channel “I suggest you read The Power of the Sea , a fascinating exploration of the subject by Bruce Parker” ― Andrew Revkin, Dot Earth blog, The New York Times “Bruce Parker's The Power of the Sea is an engaging and essential history of science. It's also a terrific account of survival on our wild blue planet.” ― David Helvarg, author of Saved by the Sea: A Love Story with Fish “ The Power of the Sea presents the destructive nature of ocean waves in human terms. For me, the power of the Power of the Sea lies in the compelling personal stories that make the book immensely readable. From Napoleon's near death encounter with a raging Red Sea tide, to the vital importance of predicting tide and swell before the D-Day landings, to the individual acts of heroism during the tragic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, to the epic storm surges that continue to flood Bangladesh and Myanmar today, Parker never loses sight of the uneasy alliance between man and sea. All who ply or live near the sea should read this book. Be warned, you may never look at the ocean the same way again.” ― John Kretschmer, columnist for Sailing magazine and author of At The Mercy of the Sea “Rarely does a book written by a practicing scientist grab you like this one. Intelligent, accurate, and accessible , ... read Bruce Parker's wonderful book.” ― Richard Ellis, author of The Empty Ocean and Tuna: Love, Death, and Mercury “The Power of the Sea is the best book I have ever read about tsunamis, storm surges, or rogue waves. It dramatically demonstrates the need to better understand the awesome power of the sea if we are to save lives and property.” ― Jerry Schubel, President, Aquarium of the Pacific “richly researched, eloquent ... a must-read for anyone interested in the environment. The power of the sea is palpable in Dr. Parker's treatment of a fascinating diversity of historically significant events.” ― Richard Spinrad, Vice President for Research, Oregon State University “Bruce Parker has blended history and science into a book that clearly and often dramatically explains how and why the sea will affect their lives – now and in the future. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever been awed by the ocean.” ― Dan Basta, Director, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “This is an engaging book filled with details and little-known facts t