Acknowledgments
I would like to thank my wife for her help and encouragement in writing this book,
and for her patience and encouragement during my years of activity as a scientist.
Having lived though so many exciting experiences while learning about our planet,
my retirement has been like a prison where I’ve chafed at the confinements of
living a ‘‘normal life’’ each day. My wife says I am like a dormant volcano, just
waiting for another chance to explode, to explore, and to meet the new challenges
that life has to offer. Maybe she is right.
This book would not have been possible without the collaboration and help of
my colleagues, many of whom were involved in the sea-going expeditions I have
participated in over the years. I am particularly indebted to the captains and
officers that were responsible for the research vessels and the submersibles. The
ships’ crews, and the groups involved in the maintenance and the operational
aspect of the submersible dives are also warmly acknowledged. I would also like
to thank Prof. Rodey Batiza, Peter Stoffers, and Steven Scott who have taken time
to comment parts of this work.
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