Ecosystems of the deep oceans

This volume is a review of where our knowledge stands at this point. All the chapters are written by authors on their respective subjects, all of whom are still practicing deep-sea biologists. The volume is divided into sections covering the environment of the deep sea, specific deep-water seas and oceans, and lastly a review of the processes that occur there. All the chapters have been peer-reviewed by the experts in deep-sea biology, to all of whom I extend my thanks for their care and advice. wish to say a special thank you to all authors. As I have said above, all are active research scientists, often working for extended periods at sea. I know their scientific lives are full, and I am delighted they were willing to write chapters and put up with my impatient prodding. I would also like to thank the series editor David good all for his advice, enthusiasm, patience and his unremitting courtesy when I failed to answer his requests! Lastly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Lida de Maaijer Hoek of isys prepress services for her patience, good humor and sectional car in the desk dating of this volume.