Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 77. This volume provides an interdisciplinary summary of current research on the history and evolution of the Mesozoic Pacific Ocean. The importance of the work lies in not only describing the early history of the largest modern tectonic plate, but also in studying the geologic record and possible causes of the Cretaceous Greenhouse. Thus, it offers important lessons as we try to understand modern man's impact on the interaction between the atmosphere, oceans, and solid earth. The idea for this summary originated nearly five years ago, during a discussion between Sy Schlanger and Malcolm Pringle on the need to bring together various groups working on Cretaceous Pacific volcanism. After the untimely death of Sy Schlanger in the summer of 1990, it was decided to dedicate this work to him. Because of the breadth of Sy Schlanger's research and interests, the scope of the volume was broadened from Cretaceous Pacific volcanism in particular to the history of the Mesozoic Pacific Ocean as a whole. It is a testament to Sy's impact on Pacific research that he made a significant contribution to the scientific problems addressed by almost every paper included herein.

"The Oxford Handbook of Prehistoric Oceania presents the archaeology, linguistics, environment and human biology of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. First colonized 50,000 years ago, Oceania witnessed the independent invention of agriculture, the construction of Easter Island's statues, and the development of the word's last archaic states."--Provided by publisher.

"Most papers result from a meeting in Beijing in June 2005"--Preface.