Deep Water: The Story of the Evolution of our Seas and Oceans

Riley Black
University of Chicago Press, £25.00

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. She gives some insight into how this still largely unexplored series of habitats came into being, what lives there and why, how it has evolved, and what the future will bring for this dark and mysterious environment.

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. It takes the reader on an exciting journey along a timeline of discovery, often detailing the techniques that have enhanced our understanding of this vast area of the planet. The discovery of many deep water creatures is described, including sharks, squid, giant oarfish, gulper eels, whales, sea spiders and the inevitable dumbo octopus.

The theme running through the book is evolution of the deep sea, and there are sections on stromatolites, the HMS Challenger mission, nutrient cycling and hydrothermal vents, ending with the Mariana Trench. Deep Water is an excellent read for any enquiring mind and the colour plates are well chosen as illustrations. 

James Crabbe CBiol FRSB