First attempt at a bathymetric map by Matthew Fontaine Maury. Published in The Physical Geography of the Sea. Showed vast relatively shoal area in Mid-Atlantic ocean. In The Physical Geography of the Sea (1855) by M. F. Maury. (Courtesy of NOAA Photo Library.) Click image for larger view.
Historical Quotations
"Quotes for Ocean Explorers" is a small collection of quotations that is meant to help: 1) track the history of the exploration of the sea; 2) capture the thought processes and emotions that have motivated ocean explorers; 3) express the ideas behind the invention and continuing improvement of ocean exploration instruments; and 4) relate the excitement and joy of discovery that have accompanied ocean explorers since the first time that humankind has peered into the depths or devised ways to observe and measure oceanic phenomena. These quotes represent only a small fraction of the rich literature of ocean exploration. As such, this website will continue to grow as the origins and evolution of more concepts and discoveries are found in the collections of the NOAA Central Library. It is hoped that this collection of quotes and its future additions will inspire further readings and, perhaps, sharpen the appetites of generations of future ocean explorers for seeking new knowledge from the sea.
Into the Abyss
Humankind holds a fascination with the ocean beneath its surface.
People began their study of the sea by peering into the waters from vessels
or by walking along the seashore. They progressed to free diving, then helmet
diving, and finally to the use of SCUBA, and ultimately to undersea vehicles,
all to catch a glimpse of life under the sea.
Ocean and Atmosphere
These quotes address the great movements of water and atmosphere over the surface
of our planet. Among the greatest problems facing scientists today are these
movements of oceanic waters and their interactions with the overlying atmosphere.
The great currents of the oceans, the tidal cycles, and the transfer of heat
and gases between ocean and atmosphere affect the earth and the biosphere in
profound and sometimes unpredictable ways.
Soundings, Sea Bottom...
Address the slow and sometimes frustrating process of how humankind has learned
about the basins, the seamounts, the fracture zones, the trenches, and the
great globe-girdling rift system that make up the floor of the sea. What is
the significance of these features in the evolution of the surface of our planet?
Join the continuum of ocean explorers who have determined the nature of our
seafloor and its relationship to our planet.
Life in the Sea
Explore the nature of life in the sea and our relationship to that life. Perhaps
the ultimate measure of our wisdom in managing the environment of our planet
will be how well we have collectively done in maintaining the biodiversity
and unique character of life in our oceans.
Technology
Thought processes have driven the invention of new instruments and methods for
the exploration of the sea. This evolution of instruments and equipment have
gone into furthering our understanding of the ocean.
Why Explore?
These quotes attempt to provide insight to the basic question of why we humans
strive to learn the secrets of the sea.
