Deepest Solo Dive

Yesterday, James Cameron, the director of Avatar and Titanic, completed the world's deepest solo dive into the Mariana Trench. The dive, which was around 30,000 feet marks the first time anyone has visited the trench since the 1960's. 


The goal was for Cameron to collect samples of rocks, sediments, and small marine life. He also was responsible for collecting images of never before seen surroundings. It is expected that his journey will appear on the National Geographic Channel. It is also noteworthy that his images may appear on Google Earth as trenches such as the Mariana Trench are the only regions on earth without Google data.


It is also expected that his experiences will provide inspiration for the next Avatar movie. Coincidentally, the plot of the next movie revolves around an unexplored underwater world. You can be sure that the creatures seen in the movie will have some resemblance to the creatures seen 30,000 feet under. 


Cameron described the Trench as a "completely black world" and said that the marine life are white and have obviously adapted to live under extreme pressure. He went on to describe how completely overwhelming the surroundings are and compared the experience to the Apollo moon landing. In a very real sense, his experience does mark a giant leap for mankind into the watery abyss.


It is hopeful that there will be more dives in the immediate future. The potential for this new terrain is massive. Who knows what kind of new creatures will be found and what kinds of medicinal properties lie hidden. I personally cannot wait to see the images and I am looking forward to the discoveries that arise from this exploration.

TB

Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean.
-Christopher Reeve