Deep Water - by Riley Black (Hardcover)

About the Book

"What lies beneath the surface of the ocean has mystified humankind for millennia. Today, we have explored more of the surface of the Moon than we have of the deep sea. What thrives in these mysterious depths, how did these life forms evolve from ancient life, and how has this environment changed over time as our planet has developed? Organized by ocean depth and with "fossil fanatic" science writer Riley Black as our guide, Deep Water explains the origins of this unique habitat, what lives there, how it has evolved, and what the future will bring to this dark and mysterious environment"--

Book Synopsis

From celebrated science writer Riley Black, a beautifully illustrated, compelling deep dive into the life story of the abyss, its ancient creatures, and the scientists and submersibles that have documented them.

What lies beneath the surface of the ocean has mystified humankind for millennia. Today, we have explored more of the surface of the Moon than we have the deep sea. What thrives in these mysterious depths, how did these life-forms evolve from ancient life, and how has this environment changed over time as our planet has developed?

Introducing us to the ancient, complex, and fascinating life-forms that have evolved into the marine life we recognize today--from stromatolites, structures created by some of the earliest life billions of years ago and still found today, to yeti crabs, bioluminescent firefly squid, and giant jellyfish--Deep Water is an eye-opening journey into the world far beneath the waves. Our guide, brilliant science communicator and self-described "fossil fanatic" Riley Black, has studied marine biology and paleontology, and she brings her vast knowledge and inimitable voice to our voyage. Through text and image, Black leads us further and further into the depths to reveal how this unique and largely unexplored habitat came into being, what lives there and why, how it has evolved, and what the future will bring in this dark and mysterious environment.

Review Quotes

"This text provides an interesting, accessible introduction to offshore waters. . . . The numerous photographs and diagrams are well rendered and engaging. The narrative, which is parsed into separate topics of two to three pages each, never requires technical background knowledge and is well written. The scope includes some history of ocean discovery as well as information on the physical, geological, and, especially, biological aspects of deep-water environments."-- "Choice"

"Black's Deep Water focuses on the unique animals that live in the depths, with brief sections of magazine-style prose and multiple large, glossy photographs for each."-- "American Biology Teacher"

"This is a beautifully produced and informative book on the deep ocean for the novice, written by a highly respected American science communicator. Using text that is easy to read, together with large, high-resolution images, Black leads the reader into the depths to reveal the amazing creatures that have been discovered there. . . . The writing is a model of clarity and in no way patronising to the reader; rather it has a clarity and elegance of expression that is underpinned by scientific understanding. . . . Deep Water is an excellent read for any enquiring mind."-- "The Biologist"

"The deep sea is a realm that has intrigued humanity for millennia. This book dives headlong into this realm, exploring the evolution of ancient life forms, the transformation of the environment, and its current inhabitants (which include horseshoe crabs, extinct marine sloths and giant jellyfish). In short, it shines a spotlight on the deep sea's origins, evolution and future prospects."-- "X-Ray Mag"

"Deep Water . . . spotlight[s] the organisms to be found at increasing depths, from goblin sharks to vampire shrimp to giant tube worms. . . . Filled with arresting diagrams and images, [it] convey[s] the magic of the deep sea in a form that should appeal to even the most confirmed landlubber."-- "Natural History"

"Because of the rapid rise in ocean levels and the constant threats from climate change, the deep, unexplored parts of the ocean are hot subjects right now. So much of the ocean is still unexplored. Black takes a look at many of the fascinating creatures living there, both now and millions of years ago, and how we have impacted the ocean environment."-- "Book Riot"

"A delight. . . . Be prepared for surprises."-- "New York Times, on "My Beloved Brontosaurus""

"An affable guide."-- "New York Times Book Review, on "Skeleton Keys""

"Black blends the intricacies of science with masterful storytelling for a cracking, enchanting read."-- "Newsweek, on "The Last of the Dinosaurs""

"Deeply compelling."-- "Science, on "The Last of the Dinosaurs""

"Gorgeously composed. . . . Richly imagined."-- "Wall Street Journal, on "The Last of the Dinosaurs""

"This is top-drawer science writing."-- "Publishers Weekly, starred review, on "The Last of the Dinosaurs""