Synthesizing a wide range of facies and stratigraphic studies to evaluate sea-level changes and paleontologic patterns in the three Phanerozoic eras, the book takes note of this influential though controversial research done by Exxon Corporation. It also addresses the contested issue of whether changes in sea level came about as a result of eustatic factors or from a series of events relating to regional tectonics.

In order to understand the state of the oceans, researchers turn to the origins of global waters, 90 million years ago. This study explores the subject of sea-level change in the Phanerozoic era, a topic which has much relevance to current issues of climatic shifts and the greenhouse effect.