Challenger at sea

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The Glomar Challenger, a groundbreaking geological research ship, transformed earth science akin to the impact of the cyclotron on nuclear physics. Its deep-sea drilling expeditions from 1968 to 1983 marked significant scientific milestones, beginning with support for continental drift and playing a pivotal role in the plate-tectonics revolution, challenging established theories. Kenneth Hsu, a prominent oceanographer and earth scientist, shares a personal narrative of the diverse crews onboard—the sailors, drillers, marine technicians, and scientists—who faced not only the ocean's resistance but also mechanical failures, health issues, and interpersonal dynamics. Despite these challenges, the intellectual rewards were immense, and Hsu captures the excitement of scientific discovery. As an insider, he presents biographical sketches, humorous anecdotes, and historical context, weaving them into a narrative of the ship's explorations across the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Oceans, and polar seas. From the controversial drilling of a "Mohole" to evidence of a meteor's role in the dinosaurs' extinction, the work offers a comprehensive overview of marine geology and serves as a valuable resource for understanding the history of this scientific field.