Into the Deep

The ocean holds 97 percent of Earth's water. It helps regulate global temperatures, supports plant and animal life, and contributes to the livelihoods of millions of people. Even so, it remains largely unexplored, and its effects on human life are not fully understood. Scientists around the world increasingly recognize that tackling problems such as dead zones, coral bleaching and climate change requires a better understanding of the ocean. Using a range of cutting-edge technologies, oceanographers measure, sample and analyze at every opportunity. Each day brings answers to some mysteries and raises new questions, and each new finding helps scientists answer the next ones. Into the Deep asks what lies beneath the surface and who is leading these discoveries. It presents the scientists and research that shed light on the most pressing issues facing oceanographers today and shows the direction toward solving them.