The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean by Susan Casey

Journalist Susan Casey has long been fascinated by the ocean. She’s written books on sharks, rogue waves, and dolphins. Here she shares the joy and wonder she experiences while learning about and visiting the ocean depths. She travels around the globe interviewing scientists and explorers, including Don Walsh and Victor Vescovo. The book is full of photos of the weird, wonderful, and numerous creatures of the deep ocean.

It’s fun to read about her experiences at sea. Her first chance to dive in a submersible to the deep ocean comes in the Bahamas, where the 3-person Neptune goes to the bottom of the twilight zone, 1000 meters deep.

Another intriguing chapter involves the search for a Spanish galleon off the coast of Columbia, that was sunk in 1708, with a cargo full of treasure. The challenges of locating the ship, keeping that location secret, and obtaining funding and permission to raise the ship are detailed.

More sobering sections discuss the risks of plastic debris on the ocean floor and recent proposals for deep sea mining.

The most exciting chapters describe Case’s final chance to dive to the abyssal zone, over 5000 meters below the surface in a 2-person submersible, to the base of one of Hawaii’s underground volcanoes.

Armchair travel, popular science and real-life adventure combine in a compelling and informative read.

Brenda