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To the average office-dweller, marine scientists seem to have the good life: cruising at sea for weeks at a time, swimming in warm coastal waters, living in tropical paradises. But ocean scientists who go to sea will tell you that it is no vacation. Creature comforts are few and the obstacles seemingly insurmountable, yet an abundance of wonder and discovery still awaits those who take to the ocean. Chasing Science at Sea immerses readers in the world of those who regularly go to sea—aquanauts living underwater, marine biologists seeking unseen life in the deep ocean, and the tall-ship captains at the helm, among others—and tells the fascinating tale of what life—and science—is like at the mercy of Mother Nature.With passion and wit, well-known marine scientist Ellen Prager shares her stories as well as those of her colleagues, revealing that in the field ingenuity and a good sense of humor are as essential as water, sunblock, and GPS. Serendipity is invaluable, and while collecting data is the goal, sometimes just getting back to shore means success. But despite the physical hardship and emotional duress that come with the work, optimism and adventure prompt a particularly hardy species of scientist to return again and again to the sea.Filled with firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs of dealing with the extreme forces of nature and the unpredictable world of the ocean, Chasing Science at Sea is a unique glimpse below the water line at what it is like and why it is important to study, explore, and spend time in one of our planet’s most fascinating and foreign environments. (20080701)
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Chasing Science at Sea Ellen Prager Chasing Science at Sea R AC I N G H U R R I CA N E S , S TA L K I N G S H A R K S , AND LIVING UNDERSEA WITH OCEAN EXPERTS TH E U N IVE RSITY OF CH ICAGO PR ESS C H I CAG O A N D LO N D O N Ellen J. Prager is currently the chief scientist at the world’s only undersea research station, Aquarius Reef Base, in the Florida Keys and a freelance writer. Among her publications are The Oceans and Furious Earth: The Science and Nature of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis; a series of children’s books including Sand, Volcano, and Earthquakes with the National Geographic Society; and a children’s novel, Adventure on Dolphin Island. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago 60637 The University of Chicago Press, Ltd., London © 2008 by Ellen Prager All rights reserved. Published 2008 Printed in the United States of America 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 12345 ISBN-13: 978-0-226-67870-2 (cloth) ISBN-10: 0-226-67870-9 (cloth) Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Prager, Ellen J. Chasing science at sea: racing hurricanes, stalking sharks, and living undersea with ocean experts / Ellen Prager. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN-13: 978-0-226-67870-2 (cloth: alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0-226-67870-9 (cloth: alk. paper) 1. Oceanography. 2. Ocean. I. Title. GC11.2P738 2008 551.46—dc22 2007049486 The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1992. To my parents, for encouraging my explorations of nature as a child and for fostering my never-ending curiosity C O NTE NTS Acknowledgments Author’s Note Prologue ix xi xiii 1 An Introduction 1 2 Tales of Wonder 25 3 The Unexpected 45 4 Forces of Nature 63 5 Overcoming Obstacles 82 6 Living and Working Undersea 100 7 Going Deeper 123 8 The Changing Sea 137 Epilogue 149