WEB: Robert Duane Ballard
Early Life and Career
Robert Duane Ballard was born on June 30, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas. He is an American retired Navy officer and a professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island.
Pioneering Work in Oceanography
Ballard is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost deep-sea explorers. His pioneering use of deep-sea submersibles and remote-controlled vehicles has revolutionized our understanding of the ocean's depths.
Discovery of hydrothermal vents
In 1977, Ballard led a team that discovered hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor near the Galapagos Rift. These vents are home to unique and thriving ecosystems that rely on chemicals from the Earth's crust rather than sunlight for energy.
Discovery of the RMS Titanic
In 1985, Ballard's team made one of the most famous discoveries in maritime history: the wreckage of the RMS Titanic, which sank in the North Atlantic in 1912. This discovery provided invaluable insights into the ship's design and the events leading to its sinking.
National Geographic Documentary
On June 14, National Geographic will premiere a one-hour documentary titled "Bob Ballard: An Explorer's Life." This documentary will explore Ballard's remarkable career and his contributions to oceanography.
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