Robert Ballard: Explorer and Undersea Archaeologist (Makers of Modern Science)

Makers of Modern Science is a 10-volume set that profiles the lives and achievements of scientists who made notable contributions to the advancement of science and society. Each volume covers a scientist whose work has had a major impact on a particular field. The scientist's accomplishments are discussed, including the scientific principles and personal struggles underlying his or her work. Employing an array of primary sources-diaries, memoirs, letters, and contemporary news accounts-as well as secondary sources, the set depicts the human drama of scientific work, the challenge of research, and the exhilaration and rewards of discovery. Robert Ballard recounts the life and work of the notable American explorer and undersea archaeologist famous for his discoveries of the shipwrecks of the RMS Titanic in 1985, the German battleship Bismarck in 1989, the aircraft carrier Yorktown in 1998, and the PT-109 motor torpedo boat, once commanded by John F. Kennedy, in 2003. The book includes information on Ballard's recent advocacy of laws to protect historically important shipwrecks, motivated by the damage caused by salvagers, in order for the "museum" of the deep sea to remain intact. Robert Ballard includes more than 30 photographs and line illustrations, a glossary, a chronology, a list of print and Internet resources, and an index. Makers of Modern Science is an essential set for students, teachers, and general readers that provides a factual look at the lives and outstanding contributions of prominent scientists. Contents......Page 8 Preface......Page 11 Acknowledgments......Page 14 Introduction......Page 15 1: Growing Up Nemo......Page 22 2: Undersea Gardens and Black Smokers......Page 44 3: A Titanic Discovery......Page 61 4: Hide and Seek......Page 76 5: Guadalcanal and Lusitania......Page 95 6: More Pacific Graveyards......Page 110 7: Ancient Seafarers......Page 131 Conclusion: Undersea Museums......Page 145 Chronology......Page 152 Glossary......Page 159 Further Resources......Page 162 Index......Page 170 Profiles the life and professional accomplishments of American oceanographer Robert Ballard, renowned for his discoveries of shipwrecks, and discussing his influence on the laws passed to protect historically significant wrecks