Dive to the Deep Ocean: Voyages of Exploration and Discovery

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-A lively look at the technological development of submersible vessels and some of the discoveries associated with them. Maps, full-color and black-and-white photos, and/or drawings appear on every page and amplify the narrative. A double-page diagram compares the heights of familiar land mountains with undersea mounts. A basic difficulty of exploring the deep-sea environment is the issue of water pressure, and this is deftly explained in a text box entitled "The Weight of Water." Kovacs includes scientists' imaginings and how they build the tools to match their dreams. The accounts of the fears, problems, and setbacks encountered before solutions and success were achieved are particularly interesting. Such milestone events as the discovery of hydrothermal vents and the Titanic are described to demonstrate the use of deep-sea submersibles for research. The spheres used in the first Alvin are shown in a series of black-and-white photographs while the narrative describes the arduous 1964 testing process. Color photographs with detailed labels invite readers to explore Alvin and Jason. Sonar pictures using 1990s technology provide images of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that appear in three dimensions, which readers are asked to compare with the photographs obtained in the 1970s. Good homework support and great reading for those interested in ocean work.Frances E. Millhouser, Chantilly Regional Library, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Card catalog description
Relates the history of deep sea research, explaining how the development of submersibles, particularly the Alvin, has led to many fascinating discoveries.


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This book is an interesting history of undersea research. The text briefly mentions the ideas and inventions of Alexander the Great, Leonardo da Vinci, Robert Fulton, William Beebe, and August Picard, but spends most of its narrative tracing the role of Allyn Vine and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the development of undersea vehicles. Also mentioned, but not expanded upon, are some of the fascinating undersea discoveries that these inventions have made possible. The plentiful photographs and occasional diagram are well placed and present clear, concise information that reinforces what is read in the text. The small glossary is invaluable in sorting out the exact nature of each new vehicle or instrument. Although limited primarily to the contributions of one group of oceanographers, the book is well written and informative. Dive to the Ocean Deep is an excellent reference work for those interested in tracing the development of undersea research from the 1930s to the present. (a Turnstone Ocean Explorer Book.) Highly Recommended, Grades 5-12, General Audience. REVIEWER: Jane H. Evans (Mid Valley Secondary Center)


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