School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8This beautifully illustrated book provides an interesting combination of information about life in three distinct ocean zones and how scientists work from direct observations and in laboratories with living samples gathered during expeditions. Divers descend together in the first zone (Epipelagic, from the surface to a depth of about 450 feet), and while the safety diver watches over them, the others observe and search for creatures to collect for later laboratory study. The animals encountered are briefly described in the text; the matching full-color photographs are stunning in their brilliant clarity and vivid portrayal of these unique creatures. Both common and Latin names are used; this is helpful because many of the animals are too new and unfamiliar to have common names. Pronunciation guides are given. Both the second zone (the Mesopelagic, from 450-3,000 feet deep) and the third zone (the Benthopelagic, the 600 feet of water above the seafloor in places where the seafloor is no more than 6,000 feet deep) require special vehicles to explore. These zones yield new discoveries under the most difficult conditions of darkness, cold, and intense water pressure. There is no index, but the three-page glossary provides some page references for illustrations and narrative amplification.Frances E. Millhouser, Chantilly Regional Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
