Chasing Science at Sea: Racing Hurricanes, Stalking Sharks, and Living Undersea with Ocean Experts

by Ellen Prager

Book Overview

To the average office-dweller, marine scientists seem to have the good life: cruising at sea for weeks at a time, swimming in warm coastal waters, living in tropical paradises. But ocean scientists who go to sea will tell you that it is no vacation. Creature comforts are few and the obstacles seemingly insurmountable, yet an abundance of wonder and discovery still awaits those who take to the ocean. Chasing Science at Sea immerses readers in...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226678741
• ISBN13: 9780226678740
• Release Date: June 2010
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 196 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.4" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Sea Stories--and the Science from Them

What a wonderful little book! Very accessible; very enlightening. The sea stories--all by ocean scientists--are engaging and often quite humorous. They share important knowledge about the ocean, but also the unexpected ways much of that knowledge is gained. The stories include scientists SCUBA diving, sailing, making long cruises on research ships, and living for days underwater. They give a great sense not only of the results, but of the unique challenges for scientists working in the ocean environment, and the importance of them continuing to do so.

Interesting, But Lacks Scientific Detail

"Chasing Science" is a relatively short, yet informative look at the world of marine science. Covering oceanography, geology, marine biology and other lesser known sciences, the book provides a feel for the life of a marine scientist. It is well written and very easy to read, but is lacking in depth. It consists mainly of very short stories of what can be expected if you enter the world of marine science. There are a few facts, but do not expect great detail. If you are expecting moderate or heavy science from this book, you will be disappointed. The book, however, works well as an introductory look at the world of marine science and I would highly recommend it to non scientists and to students who may be interested in making marine science a career.