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Mapping the Deep: The Extraordinary Story of Ocean Science
A vivid tour of the Earth's last frontier, a remote and mysterious realm that nonetheless lies close to the heart of even the most land-locked reader. The sea covers seven-tenths of the Earth, but we have mapped only a small percentage of it. The sea contains millions of species of animals and plants, but we have identified only a few thousand of them. The sea controls our planet's climate, but we do not really understand how. The sea is still the frontier, and yet it seems so familiar that we sometimes forget how little we know about it. Just as we are poised on the verge of exploiting the sea on an unprecedented scale―mining it, fertilizing it, fishing it out―this book reminds us of how much we have yet to learn. More than that, it chronicles the knowledge explosion that has transformed our view of the sea in just the past few decades, and made it a far more interesting and accessible place. From the Big Bang to that far-off future time, two billion years from now, when our planet will be a waterless rock; from the lush crowds of life at seafloor hot springs to the invisible, jewel-like plants that float at the sea surface; from the restless shifting of the tectonic plates to the majestic sweep of the ocean currents, Kunzig's clear and lyrical prose transports us to the ends of the Earth. Originally published in hardcover as The Restless Sea . 8 pages of color, 20 black-and-white illustrations
360 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 8, 2021
I was raised in the Upper Midwest of the US, where there are large and geologically recent post-ice age Great Lakes � but where the nearest seawater is approximately 1,000 miles away. Of all the natural sciences, oceanography seemed the least relevant. Now I find myself living on an island along the South Carolina coast watching tides rise and fall on the expansive mudflats every day, eating seafoods I had never heard of before, and I have a new appreciation and interest for ocean science. This was a perfect, easy to understand, introduction to the span of scientific disciplines concerning the ocean for me.
Robert Kunzig is a scientific journalist, specializing in oceanography. He works at the European division of Discover magazine and is a regular contributor to National Geographic magazine. I read his 2000 paperback edition, which is a revised edition of his 1999 hardcover book entitled . Portions of a number of chapters were published prior to that, in a modified form, in Discover Magazine.
I enjoyed his all-encompassing approach, which starts with the formation of water molecules in deep space clouds prior to star formation, and the formation of planetary bodies through accretion of comets and/or asteroids containing water. Beyond oceanography, the topically organized writing spans multiple scientific disciplines that come together around a theme of ocean science. It is obvious that he has had personal contact with many of the contemporary researchers he mentions, and has literally been at some of the settings. Reading this book has provided a framing for me, in which to place what future ocean science I might have a chance to read or learn. For the most part (except in the chapter on cod), he avoids economic issues and public policy discussions, concentrating on the knowledge of how the natural world works.
Probably my only disappointment, and this is no fault of Kunzig’s, is that the book is now 21 years old, and new developments are absent. For example, in the chapter on the 1990s crash of the cod population off the coast of Newfoundland, he says that if left alone, the population might take 20 years to recover. Well, here we are, in 2021. Note that outside reading has informed me that it has not recovered, and may never.
I am highly recommending this book. Below, are some of my incomplete notes taken during the read.
Chapter 1 Space and the Ocean - I appreciate the all-encompassing approach, which starts with the formation of water molecules in deep space clouds prior to star formation, and the formation of planetary bodies through accretion of comets and/or asteroids containing water. Plate tectonics is probably the more conventional choice as a place to start an overview of ocean science.
Chapter 2 Sounding the Depths
Chapter 3 The Rift in the Atlantic
Chapter 4 A Map of the World
Chapter 5 The Seafloor at Birth
Chapter 6 Kingdom of the Holothurians
Chapter 7 Islands in the Deep
Chapter 8 Life On A Volcano � In 1991, a crew dove in Alvin (DSV-2) to a volcanic caldera on East Pacific Rise (1000 miles NW of Galapagos), where they were lucky to be the first observers of an ocean floor volcanic eruption. Alvin is a vessel that carries two scientists and one pilot, originally built in 1965 and after several rebuilds is still in use. What they observed was the death of an ecosystem that contained a number of organisms that derived growth from chemical reaction rather than the photosynthesis of light. Over the following years, they were able to observe the steps of re-population of the system. These animals and plants were of new phylum and subphylum, symbiotic with bacteria that de-oxygenate sulfur compounds. Previously, it had been thought that this sulfuric chemistry took place in lifeforms of shallow mudflats only. There are also methane-reducing bacteria that function similarly in the sea. It is possible that the origin of life was with this methane-reducing chemistry in that relatively protected environment of deep-sea vents � the currently predominant photosynthesis would have evolved later.
Chapter 9 Fantastic. Glistening Jellies � In the late 19th century, a conflict arose between German scientists Victor Hensen and Ernst Haeckel over the best way to study plankton. Hensen’s approach was statistical and Haeckel’s observational. Both are important to biological oceanographers. There is a great abundance of life in the blue water zone below the surface and above the ocean floor. � shell-less pteropods (wing-footed snail), shelled pteropods (soft shell, throws fishing webs), larvacean zooplankton (tiny animal with big shell house), salp zooplankton (barrel shapes), ctenophore (comb jelly), medusae (jellyfish).
Chapter 10 Animal Lights � Mechanical disturbance triggers bioluminescence. Burglar alarm purpose? Animals use bioluminescence sparingly, lest they attract predators. The WASP diving apparatus can go to 2000 feet. A Michelin Man cross between a tethered diving suit with arms, and a submarine with cylindrical compartment for both legs. Thruster failure and entanglement with tether requires lift by crane.
Chapter 11 Greening the Ocean � Phytoplankton plants live in the top sunlight zone. 1970s discovery of new organism synechococcus and other cyanobacteria, that could be ancestor of the chloroplast with performs photosynthesis within advanced plant cells. The distribution of phytoplankton is explained by a deficiency in trace iron, even when there is sufficient carbon and phosphorus nutrients and oxygen. The iron is associated with windblown sands from desert areas. There was a concept proposed to reduce greenhouse gases, by capturing carbon into the ocean by seeding iron and causing an algal bloom. Side effects are unknown. There have been very small tests and large-scale computer models.
Chapter 12 Twilight of the Cod � in the early 1990s, the cod population in Grand Banks and Georges Bank crashed. No one could legitimately doubt that overfishing is responsible. Beyond descriptions of the natural lifecycle of the cod, and the history of cod fishing, the direction of Kunzig’s writing takes a big turn towards economics and public policy.
This is one of the points at which the age of the book matters. The cod population could take as long as 20 years to recover. Well, 2000 was 21 years ago, so how did it turn out? Apparently, small increases in population have continued to be cut off by the quick resumption of fishing, and the population has not recovered.
Chapter 13 Where the Water Goes � Henry Melson Stommel’s prediction of deep-water recirculation, and the subsequent evidence that supported it. The influence of planetary vorticity is added to temperature and salinity convection.
Chapter 14 The Climate Switch � Disturbances of the thermohaline circulation coincide with rapid climate shifts. Extreme circumstances could even lead to a mode reversal of the flow. Geologically recent event was the Younger Dryas (12,900 to 11700 years ago), that most affected northern Europe. Theory is that drainage of glacial Lake Agassiz switching from Mississippi valley to St. Lawrence deposited a lot of fresh water into North Atlantic, disrupting the cycle. Dansgaard-Oeschger events are shorter-term cooling periods that occur on a 1500-year cycle. Theory is that periodically an armada of icebergs flowing out of the Hudson Strait (Heinrich event) does the same. The Little Ice Age (15th to late 18th century) is more recent. There is a chicken-and-egg problem with whether changes in cycle cause climate change, or the other way around.
Chapter 15 Time and the Ocean � The long-term fate of water on Earth as the Sun ages. Water on Europa. Rebirth of new solar systems.
Robert Kunzig is a scientific journalist, specializing in oceanography. He works at the European division of Discover magazine and is a regular contributor to National Geographic magazine. I read his 2000 paperback edition, which is a revised edition of his 1999 hardcover book entitled . Portions of a number of chapters were published prior to that, in a modified form, in Discover Magazine.
I enjoyed his all-encompassing approach, which starts with the formation of water molecules in deep space clouds prior to star formation, and the formation of planetary bodies through accretion of comets and/or asteroids containing water. Beyond oceanography, the topically organized writing spans multiple scientific disciplines that come together around a theme of ocean science. It is obvious that he has had personal contact with many of the contemporary researchers he mentions, and has literally been at some of the settings. Reading this book has provided a framing for me, in which to place what future ocean science I might have a chance to read or learn. For the most part (except in the chapter on cod), he avoids economic issues and public policy discussions, concentrating on the knowledge of how the natural world works.
Probably my only disappointment, and this is no fault of Kunzig’s, is that the book is now 21 years old, and new developments are absent. For example, in the chapter on the 1990s crash of the cod population off the coast of Newfoundland, he says that if left alone, the population might take 20 years to recover. Well, here we are, in 2021. Note that outside reading has informed me that it has not recovered, and may never.
I am highly recommending this book. Below, are some of my incomplete notes taken during the read.
Chapter 1 Space and the Ocean - I appreciate the all-encompassing approach, which starts with the formation of water molecules in deep space clouds prior to star formation, and the formation of planetary bodies through accretion of comets and/or asteroids containing water. Plate tectonics is probably the more conventional choice as a place to start an overview of ocean science.
Chapter 2 Sounding the Depths
Chapter 3 The Rift in the Atlantic
Chapter 4 A Map of the World
Chapter 5 The Seafloor at Birth
Chapter 6 Kingdom of the Holothurians
Chapter 7 Islands in the Deep
Chapter 8 Life On A Volcano � In 1991, a crew dove in Alvin (DSV-2) to a volcanic caldera on East Pacific Rise (1000 miles NW of Galapagos), where they were lucky to be the first observers of an ocean floor volcanic eruption. Alvin is a vessel that carries two scientists and one pilot, originally built in 1965 and after several rebuilds is still in use. What they observed was the death of an ecosystem that contained a number of organisms that derived growth from chemical reaction rather than the photosynthesis of light. Over the following years, they were able to observe the steps of re-population of the system. These animals and plants were of new phylum and subphylum, symbiotic with bacteria that de-oxygenate sulfur compounds. Previously, it had been thought that this sulfuric chemistry took place in lifeforms of shallow mudflats only. There are also methane-reducing bacteria that function similarly in the sea. It is possible that the origin of life was with this methane-reducing chemistry in that relatively protected environment of deep-sea vents � the currently predominant photosynthesis would have evolved later.
Chapter 9 Fantastic. Glistening Jellies � In the late 19th century, a conflict arose between German scientists Victor Hensen and Ernst Haeckel over the best way to study plankton. Hensen’s approach was statistical and Haeckel’s observational. Both are important to biological oceanographers. There is a great abundance of life in the blue water zone below the surface and above the ocean floor. � shell-less pteropods (wing-footed snail), shelled pteropods (soft shell, throws fishing webs), larvacean zooplankton (tiny animal with big shell house), salp zooplankton (barrel shapes), ctenophore (comb jelly), medusae (jellyfish).
Chapter 10 Animal Lights � Mechanical disturbance triggers bioluminescence. Burglar alarm purpose? Animals use bioluminescence sparingly, lest they attract predators. The WASP diving apparatus can go to 2000 feet. A Michelin Man cross between a tethered diving suit with arms, and a submarine with cylindrical compartment for both legs. Thruster failure and entanglement with tether requires lift by crane.
Chapter 11 Greening the Ocean � Phytoplankton plants live in the top sunlight zone. 1970s discovery of new organism synechococcus and other cyanobacteria, that could be ancestor of the chloroplast with performs photosynthesis within advanced plant cells. The distribution of phytoplankton is explained by a deficiency in trace iron, even when there is sufficient carbon and phosphorus nutrients and oxygen. The iron is associated with windblown sands from desert areas. There was a concept proposed to reduce greenhouse gases, by capturing carbon into the ocean by seeding iron and causing an algal bloom. Side effects are unknown. There have been very small tests and large-scale computer models.
Chapter 12 Twilight of the Cod � in the early 1990s, the cod population in Grand Banks and Georges Bank crashed. No one could legitimately doubt that overfishing is responsible. Beyond descriptions of the natural lifecycle of the cod, and the history of cod fishing, the direction of Kunzig’s writing takes a big turn towards economics and public policy.
This is one of the points at which the age of the book matters. The cod population could take as long as 20 years to recover. Well, 2000 was 21 years ago, so how did it turn out? Apparently, small increases in population have continued to be cut off by the quick resumption of fishing, and the population has not recovered.
Chapter 13 Where the Water Goes � Henry Melson Stommel’s prediction of deep-water recirculation, and the subsequent evidence that supported it. The influence of planetary vorticity is added to temperature and salinity convection.
Chapter 14 The Climate Switch � Disturbances of the thermohaline circulation coincide with rapid climate shifts. Extreme circumstances could even lead to a mode reversal of the flow. Geologically recent event was the Younger Dryas (12,900 to 11700 years ago), that most affected northern Europe. Theory is that drainage of glacial Lake Agassiz switching from Mississippi valley to St. Lawrence deposited a lot of fresh water into North Atlantic, disrupting the cycle. Dansgaard-Oeschger events are shorter-term cooling periods that occur on a 1500-year cycle. Theory is that periodically an armada of icebergs flowing out of the Hudson Strait (Heinrich event) does the same. The Little Ice Age (15th to late 18th century) is more recent. There is a chicken-and-egg problem with whether changes in cycle cause climate change, or the other way around.
Chapter 15 Time and the Ocean � The long-term fate of water on Earth as the Sun ages. Water on Europa. Rebirth of new solar systems.
October 24, 2012
This book is excellent. It was recommended by Professor Tobin of the University of Wisconsin during the course of one of his lectures on Oceanography in The Great Courses series.
The title is a little misleading, because the story of mapping the deep is rather sparse. Kunzig tells that story well, but that is only 40% of the book! After telling that story, he goes off Simon Winchester-ish and writes on other oceanographic topics including marine biology, marine chemistry, and the movement of ocean water.
All that is good! Come to the book with an informed, but open mind regarding oceanography and you won't regret purchasing it.
The title is a little misleading, because the story of mapping the deep is rather sparse. Kunzig tells that story well, but that is only 40% of the book! After telling that story, he goes off Simon Winchester-ish and writes on other oceanographic topics including marine biology, marine chemistry, and the movement of ocean water.
All that is good! Come to the book with an informed, but open mind regarding oceanography and you won't regret purchasing it.
January 27, 2020
Este es el libro de divulgación que he leído hasta ahora que más me ha gustado. Lo siento por los científicos pero se nota cuándo alguien que no lo es escribe divulgación. Mis dieces 👍
July 11, 2017
As a layperson, I'm in no position to judge how much here is outdated or oversimplified. As far as I can tell, though, this is a great, serious and stimulating introduction to oceanography for anyone interested in the least understood two-thirds of our planet. A little too much time was spent on life-sciences aspects rather than geophysical ones for my liking, but that's entirely a matter of personal preference - it's all fascinating anyway.
September 10, 2023
The ignorance begins with what sounds like a child's question, but ought to be everyone's first question when standing on the beach: all this water, a million trillion tons of it, this stuff that makes our planet what it is and makes us who we are -where did it come from? And how it did come here? To tell that story, it turns out, one must begin in space, and a long time ago.
December 23, 2007
It answered just about any question I had about the construction of the oceans... and our planet, for that matter. However, I admit, I couldn't make it though the last 80 pages or so. Just got into details that I, frankly, don't have time to read about.
The first few chapters are intense "must read"s, if you live on this planet. Then... just keep reading till you fall asleep or find yourself daydreaming, then you'll know you've had your fill. Trevor (who gave me the book) felt the same way.
The first few chapters are intense "must read"s, if you live on this planet. Then... just keep reading till you fall asleep or find yourself daydreaming, then you'll know you've had your fill. Trevor (who gave me the book) felt the same way.
October 10, 2016
This is an amazing book I would recommend to anybody who likes life, nature and beauty. It is very well written and I was puzzled, dazzled and amused many, many times while I was reading this book. Sometimes it tells a very sad story of barbaric exploitation of this wonder of nature we are not even close to understanding. But somehow this book filled me with gentle hopeful joy after reading. Maybe because it allowed me get a glimpse of a thing of incredible beauty! :)
April 16, 2021
I lost this book (literally!) for a while mid read and can’t say I was too sad to take a break. Parts were fascinating especially some of the individuals and how discoveries were made but also got a bit bogged down in some details and wonder how much the science has moved on in the last 20years!
September 29, 2014
Excellent. Covers a wide-ranging subject in a clear and understandable manner with just a touch of poetry to the prose.
June 15, 2016
A little outdated and a little dry in parts, but a good survey of oceanography up through the year 2000.
August 8, 2020
Occasionally intresting, mostly boring. A parade of names from the field, which overheats your brain. It could have been written better - less details on the people and more details on the ocean.
July 10, 2023
3.5 stars - I really enjoyed the look into ocean science but found that some of the concepts were beyond my understanding. The book was also published nearly 25 years ago, so there is a bit of a gap to our current understanding of the oceans.
In "Mapping the Deep," Kunzig takes readers on a journey through the fascinating realm of ocean science. He begins by discussing early attempts to measure ocean depths and navigate the seas, highlighting the pioneering work of scientists and explorers. From ancient seafarers to the development of modern instruments and technology, the book showcases the gradual advancement in our ability to explore and understand the deep ocean.
The author explores various aspects of oceanography, including the exploration of the seafloor, the study of marine life, the dynamics of ocean currents, and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. He covers topics such as plate tectonics, hydrothermal vents, the discovery of deep-sea creatures, and the challenges faced by oceanographers in their quest to unravel the mysteries of the deep.
Kunzig also delves into the importance of oceanography in understanding climate change and its impact on marine environments. He explains how the ocean acts as a vital component of Earth's climate system, regulating temperature and serving as a carbon sink.
"Mapping the Deep" not only showcases the progress made in ocean science but also raises awareness about the fragility and importance of the oceans. It emphasizes the need for conservation and sustainable practices to protect these vast and vital ecosystems.
Overall, the book serves as an engaging and informative account of the history and significance of ocean science. It offers readers a deeper appreciation for the oceans and the ongoing scientific efforts to explore and preserve these enigmatic and critical parts of our planet
In "Mapping the Deep," Kunzig takes readers on a journey through the fascinating realm of ocean science. He begins by discussing early attempts to measure ocean depths and navigate the seas, highlighting the pioneering work of scientists and explorers. From ancient seafarers to the development of modern instruments and technology, the book showcases the gradual advancement in our ability to explore and understand the deep ocean.
The author explores various aspects of oceanography, including the exploration of the seafloor, the study of marine life, the dynamics of ocean currents, and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. He covers topics such as plate tectonics, hydrothermal vents, the discovery of deep-sea creatures, and the challenges faced by oceanographers in their quest to unravel the mysteries of the deep.
Kunzig also delves into the importance of oceanography in understanding climate change and its impact on marine environments. He explains how the ocean acts as a vital component of Earth's climate system, regulating temperature and serving as a carbon sink.
"Mapping the Deep" not only showcases the progress made in ocean science but also raises awareness about the fragility and importance of the oceans. It emphasizes the need for conservation and sustainable practices to protect these vast and vital ecosystems.
Overall, the book serves as an engaging and informative account of the history and significance of ocean science. It offers readers a deeper appreciation for the oceans and the ongoing scientific efforts to explore and preserve these enigmatic and critical parts of our planet
April 21, 2025
A 2000 publication, but doesn't feel aged. Though in the first chapter Kunzig notes that at-the-time-of-writing giant squid hadn't been seen swimming by any divers. And the very week before I started Mapping the Deep? News reports and photos of divers encountering giant squid!
Yet, perhaps with the exception of the speculation about how the Earth gained its original water (a subject still-not-settled) the facts in Kunzig's book have remained pretty consistent over th alst two-and-a-half-decades since publication. And Kunzig repeatedly notes that funding issues, not least because of the end of The Cold War, were impacting research funding in the late 1990's.
The subject of oceanography is perhaps too big for a single volume like this, yet all of the key subjects are covered; ocean currents, jellies, plankton, ice ages, submersibles. For myself there are two standout chapters; one on black smokers, a subject I've always found fascinating, and another about the catastrophe which engulfed Newfoundland when cod stocks predictably collapsed.
The writing is top-notch.
Yet, perhaps with the exception of the speculation about how the Earth gained its original water (a subject still-not-settled) the facts in Kunzig's book have remained pretty consistent over th alst two-and-a-half-decades since publication. And Kunzig repeatedly notes that funding issues, not least because of the end of The Cold War, were impacting research funding in the late 1990's.
The subject of oceanography is perhaps too big for a single volume like this, yet all of the key subjects are covered; ocean currents, jellies, plankton, ice ages, submersibles. For myself there are two standout chapters; one on black smokers, a subject I've always found fascinating, and another about the catastrophe which engulfed Newfoundland when cod stocks predictably collapsed.
The writing is top-notch.
September 20, 2021
Whew, so I've been reading this one on my break at work over a few months.
For a book about the ocean, the writing is very dry (pun intended to maximum effect!) The first few chapters are about literal mapping of the ocean, taking co-ordinates, measuring, maths, pppfttt!
This could have been majorly interesting, fascinating, captivating, but it was all a bit dry, academic, serious, at times repetitive droning on. Entering Boffinsville via Yawntown!
I found a few things interesting, but mostly this was like trawling the dark literary depths (again some sort of pun intended!)
For a book about the ocean, the writing is very dry (pun intended to maximum effect!) The first few chapters are about literal mapping of the ocean, taking co-ordinates, measuring, maths, pppfttt!
This could have been majorly interesting, fascinating, captivating, but it was all a bit dry, academic, serious, at times repetitive droning on. Entering Boffinsville via Yawntown!
I found a few things interesting, but mostly this was like trawling the dark literary depths (again some sort of pun intended!)
June 7, 2018
Although quite a few years old you wouldn't know it from this book (at least not in the beginning). That's because the history of ocean exploration is still important and in this book, very well-researched and presented. I was fascinated to learn how we learned about the bottom of the ocean and what went in to those discoveries. I enjoyed that each chapter was a different topic so you can skip around according to your interests.
January 4, 2020
Though this was well written, with humor in places, it was VERY scientific and often above me. There were lots of scientists I had never heard of who, I guess, needed to be mentioned even though their contributions were not really explained. The scientists who did make a significant contribution to this field were personalized and thoughtfully described.
I look forward to more explanation and discussion of the book in the weeks to come as part of the Tuesday Academy sessions.
I look forward to more explanation and discussion of the book in the weeks to come as part of the Tuesday Academy sessions.
July 15, 2019
This was a re-read - I first read it when it came out. Great, accessible oceanography book that goes through scientific developments over time. as a marine biology graduate, I loved the sections on marine life and sustainability
April 21, 2025
I found it funny how Kunzig persistently harped on the fact that people care more about exploring space than our own ocean, yet you can see him being consistently draw into the mystery of outer space through his writing - cognitive dissonance
July 14, 2020
Just Narrative Novel
July 22, 2020
An excellent layperson's introduction to the science of the deep sea, from biology to wave dynamics and geology. The writing is engaging, and often surprisingly funny.
June 5, 2021
Great follow-up to Rachel Carson's The Sea Around Us, especially as it expands what we know now compared to what she knew then.
June 27, 2024
Foundational text and excellent read
March 3, 2025
A very good introduction to Ocean Science and Exploration
November 29, 2017
This has been the most challenging book I have read all year. The science was incomprehensible to me more often than not. When, however, I did understand it I was often palpably excited. It conveyed information and ideas to me that I had never encountered before. I still cannot believe no one I know ever talks about the varied geography of the ocean floor, about sea floor spread and continental drift, or about pteropods, winged-footed snails.
My favourite chapter was 9: Fantastic, Glistening Jellies.
My favourite chapter was 9: Fantastic, Glistening Jellies.
January 5, 2021
This book really paints a broad picture of the history of oceanography, and I love that it touched on a variety of topics- from ocean circulation, types and abundance of plankton, the complicated process of mapping the sea floor, consequences of overfishing, to climate impacts and beyond.
As someone studying in the oceanographic field I wasn’t totally new to this subject, so I’m not sure how someone with no prior knowledge might like this book, although I can’t recall any chapters with an overload of technical information. For example, I have no knowledge of biological sciences but the marine biology chapters were not an issue for me.
The main thing I took away from this book is that I didn’t realize how much of what we know about the ocean was so recently discovered! Even though the book is a little dated by now (hence the four stars), I thought it was still a great snapshot of what was cutting edge research in the 1990s. My favorite chapter overall was the beautifully poetic description of the thermohaline circulation.
As someone studying in the oceanographic field I wasn’t totally new to this subject, so I’m not sure how someone with no prior knowledge might like this book, although I can’t recall any chapters with an overload of technical information. For example, I have no knowledge of biological sciences but the marine biology chapters were not an issue for me.
The main thing I took away from this book is that I didn’t realize how much of what we know about the ocean was so recently discovered! Even though the book is a little dated by now (hence the four stars), I thought it was still a great snapshot of what was cutting edge research in the 1990s. My favorite chapter overall was the beautifully poetic description of the thermohaline circulation.
November 19, 2015
"Mapping the Deep" is an extraordinary book for people with a mild interest in ocean science. It tells the story of the oceans, as well as that of its numerous inhabitants. Along with that, it shows the reader that there is a lot we can still learn about the ocean. But there is more, it also shows that we, land-dwellers, can learn about our world, and even about ourselves, by studying the ocean. I especially liked the fragment about the faunal diversity that exists on abyssal planes and in abyssal trenches, since it shows that disturbance can create new possibilities for life ('Disturbances are the equalizers that allow the underdogs of evolution to survive'). That is a beautiful thought, one we would be wise to consider in our own lives on the surface.
July 27, 2015
Fascinating and totally readable. There's a history of our efforts to map the deep sea, and chapters about connected topics -- not just the ocean floor, but what we know about currents and ocean layers and how the ocean developed. Really interesting for those with a comprehensive interest, and also full of fun animal tidbits and such.
Also, it's kind of sad, but from what I looked up as I went along, the book doesn't seem very out of date. Good for the reader, sad for oceanography. Still, it is fifteen years old now, so double-check anything you might want to bring up elsewhere. And I wish there were more pictures... I Googled most of the animals and such as I went along.
Also, it's kind of sad, but from what I looked up as I went along, the book doesn't seem very out of date. Good for the reader, sad for oceanography. Still, it is fifteen years old now, so double-check anything you might want to bring up elsewhere. And I wish there were more pictures... I Googled most of the animals and such as I went along.
February 27, 2010
This is one of my favorite books. So much so that I keep a copy in my car at all times in the event that I'm stuck waiting somewhere with nothing to read and I'm now on my second copy.
I'll confess that unless you have a real serious interest in ocean science you will probably find this a pretty dry read because it has a lot of facts and history without any drama or anything other than that to keep the reader going.
My particular favorite chapter is the one about bioluminesence and the way deep ocean creatures use it for feeding and paradoxically others use it for self defense.
I'll confess that unless you have a real serious interest in ocean science you will probably find this a pretty dry read because it has a lot of facts and history without any drama or anything other than that to keep the reader going.
My particular favorite chapter is the one about bioluminesence and the way deep ocean creatures use it for feeding and paradoxically others use it for self defense.
January 9, 2011
I picked this book up at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a visit that has sparked my renewed interest in the ocean. Although a decade old now, this book recounts some of the more recent discoveries about the depths of the ocean, beginning with the startling fact that we know less about the sea than about many aspects of outer space. The most fascinating chapters come at the beginning and the end, documenting scientific efforts to map the ocean floor and the flow of water around the world. Some of the intervening chapters are uneven, but on the whole, it was an eye-opening read.
November 12, 2012
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the world around us.
A well written book on the development of oceanography, exploring plate tectonics, cod fisheries, climate change (just a little), jellyfish, thermal vents, fertilision of the ocean and much much more.
This was a recommended read for Open University course on Oceanography - but it was far from a turgid textbook - it was a delightful light read but packed with information.
A well written book on the development of oceanography, exploring plate tectonics, cod fisheries, climate change (just a little), jellyfish, thermal vents, fertilision of the ocean and much much more.
This was a recommended read for Open University course on Oceanography - but it was far from a turgid textbook - it was a delightful light read but packed with information.
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