Coccolithophores are one of the primary algal groups in the oceans. They are the focus of research in many disciplines due to their importance in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and stratigraphy. The book starts with a history of coccolithophore studies followed by chapters discussing coccolithophore biology, and the composition, function and classification of their skeletal elements. At the heart of the book are taxonomic and atlas chapters with 140 scanning electron micrographs of coccolithophore species. Through a series of contributions from key workers in the field, the reader can then follow the path of the organisms from the ocean surface, through the water column to the ocean floor. The book concludes with a chapter on geochemical tracers, and the implication of these studies for stratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental change.

'… magnificent book … many excellent illustrations …' Marine Geology