Synopsis
Describes different types of submarine vehicles and their development, discussing their various uses for military purposes, undersea exploration, and ocean research.
Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature
As the back cover notes, "The Megatech Series," of which this book is one, helps demystify the latest science and technology. Super Subs sets the stage by illustrating that 70% of the earth's surface is water. For hundreds of years, humanity has been intrigued by the sea and many devices were invented to help man travel under water. Amazingly, the first one was built in 1620 by a Dutch inventor. It worked well enough for him to cross the Thames in London underwater. The text focuses on the military uses of subs since they really have been mainly used for that purpose. During the last century there have been deep diving submersibles to explore the ocean floor. These have yielded some fascinating discoveries, with animals living at much greater depths than imagined and with unusual adaptations to life in these deep, dark waters. Personal diving gear is also described and the text speculates on what might be next-subs for oil and gas explorations and even those to take tourists to this last frontier of our earth. It is all liberally illustrated with full-color photographs and illustrations, as well as fun question boxes easily spotted with a triple question mark and shading. These provide some very interesting tidbits of information, such as an explanation of new nuclear power works and how breathing gear works. The closing pages contain a chronology of major milestones in deep-sea research and equipment, a glossary and an index. A series that is informative and one that could have appeal to a wide range of readers. It may inspire some to read more on the subject and realize that like space travel and research, there is plenty to learn about right on our own planet. 2003, CrabtreePublishing, Ages 7 up.
Editorials
Children's Literature
As the back cover notes, "The Megatech Series," of which this book is one, helps demystify the latest science and technology. Super Subs sets the stage by illustrating that 70% of the earth's surface is water. For hundreds of years, humanity has been intrigued by the sea and many devices were invented to help man travel under water. Amazingly, the first one was built in 1620 by a Dutch inventor. It worked well enough for him to cross the Thames in London underwater. The text focuses on the military uses of subs since they really have been mainly used for that purpose. During the last century there have been deep diving submersibles to explore the ocean floor. These have yielded some fascinating discoveries, with animals living at much greater depths than imagined and with unusual adaptations to life in these deep, dark waters. Personal diving gear is also described and the text speculates on what might be next-subs for oil and gas explorations and even those to take tourists to this last frontier of our earth. It is all liberally illustrated with full-color photographs and illustrations, as well as fun question boxes easily spotted with a triple question mark and shading. These provide some very interesting tidbits of information, such as an explanation of new nuclear power works and how breathing gear works. The closing pages contain a chronology of major milestones in deep-sea research and equipment, a glossary and an index. A series that is informative and one that could have appeal to a wide range of readers. It may inspire some to read more on the subject and realize that like space travel and research, there is plenty to learn about right on our own planet. 2003, CrabtreePublishing, Ages 7 up.— Marilyn Courtot