The North Sea Book comprises 51 individual chapters divided into eight subject areas:
- Geography: How did the North Sea come into being? Where are its boundaries and what distinguishes it from other seas? What is special about the tides in the North Sea? And where does the name "Wadden Sea" come from? These and many other questions are answered in the Geography chapter.
- Islands: Many North Sea islands are popular holiday destinations. In this chapter, you will learn how they were formed, what similarities and differences the various island groups have, and which island suits you best.
- Flora & Fauna: Seals and herring are among the best-known representatives of North Sea fauna. The authors discuss which other animals can be found in and around the sea, which plants can survive on salty soil and why nature conservation plays a central role in the North Sea in the chapter on flora and fauna.
- Climate & Environment: Wind and water determine life on the North Sea. In the Climate & Environment chapter, the authors shed light on where the changeable North Sea weather comes from, whether there are monster waves in the North Sea and what strategies and structures people have developed to protect themselves from storm surges.
- Society & Economy: The North Sea connects eight countries and countless people. It is a tourist magnet, an economic area and a home. How did the North Sea become populated? How does tourism shape the region, and what role do offshore wind power and oil and gas production play? The Society & Economy chapter explores these topics.
- Seafaring: The North Sea is one of the busiest seas in the world. Ferries, freighters, cruise ships, fishing boats and many more bustle here. In this chapter, we take a look at the most important ports and their role in international shipping, visit the highest towers in the North Sea and their lighthouses, and follow in the footsteps of the Hanseatic League.
- Art & Culture: The North Sea is also an important cultural region. In this chapter, the authors tell us which languages and dialects are spoken here, what scary stories are told about the sea and what centuries-old customs are practised on the islands. They also introduce music, literature and films inspired by the North Sea.
- Sport: A holiday on the North Sea coast is not just about lying on the beach – there are plenty of opportunities to get active too. Sailing, surfing, kitesurfing and beach volleyball are just some of the popular sports on offer here. This chapter tells you where to find the best surfing spots, what rules to follow when swimming and which sports are particularly unusual.
