Oceanographer Robert Ballard, famous for discovering the RMS Titanic wreck in 1985, shares how this monumental find, located 12,000 feet beneath the Atlantic Ocean, profoundly impacted him. In a conversation with correspondent Lee Cowan, Ballard discusses the ongoing mission of his research vessel, Nautilus, which is dedicated to mapping the ocean floor. This exploration not only advances scientific understanding but also fuels human curiosity about the mysteries of the deep sea. Additionally, Cowan speaks with Sophie Elmhirst, author of “A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck,” who explores the vulnerability of humans when faced with the formidable power of the ocean. Both Ballard’s and Elmhirst’s work highlight the enduring allure and peril of the sea, as well as the human spirit’s resilience and quest for discovery.
QUESTION: How might the continued exploration and mapping of the ocean floor influence future generations’ understanding of our planet?
Shipwrecks and the tantalizing allure of the sea
