Discoverer of Titanic speaks

By KRISTEN VANDERPOOL
Collegian Staff Writer

Explorer Robert Ballard spoke last night on his adventures in exploration, including the relocation of the R.M.S. Titanic.

Ballard spoke about the importance of underwater exploration to a crowd in Eisenhower Auditorium. He also discussed the discovery of the ill-fated ship, which was just one of more than 100 deep-sea expeditions he has participated in or led.

He said the lost vessels on the ocean floor are "time capsules" waiting to be discovered. Ballard said the sunken-ship remains are treasures of the ocean and should be left alone.

Ballard said his most crucial discovery, however, is the hydrothermal vents along the ocean floor. Hydrothermal vents are underwater volcanoes that shoot up lava and hot water.

Ballard is the founder of the JASON Foundation for Education, a year-round scientific expedition designed to excite and engage students in science and technology, and to motivate and provide professional development for teachers. He is also president of the Institute for Exploration and a senior scientist emeritus in the Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Following his address, Ballard came out from behind the podium to entertain questions from the audience. He demonstrated his interest and delight in teaching children as a young boy approached the microphone and asked Ballard for an autograph. After he signed his program, he advised the boy to "do your math."

"He believes in reaching to young people to explore the ocean even though the world is getting smaller," said Karen Trimbath, a public information officer.

Students whose majors related to Ballard's work enjoyed the message he brought.

"I thought it was fantastic. I was hoping he wouldn't spend the majority of his speech-time dwelling on the Titanic and indeed he didn't. The Titanic is just one of many astounding discoveries he has made and pales in comparison to his scientific discoveries like the hydrothermal vents," said Michael Packard (senior-microbiology), president of the Nittany Divers Scuba Club.

Through his undersea exploration, Ballard said he has realized how precious land is and how hostile the ocean can be.

"It (the ocean) is not a place that is friendly or pretty. It is fascinating," Ballard said.

The event was presented by the Distinguished Speakers Series, which is funded by the Student Activity Fee. Co-sponsors included the Nittany Divers Scuba Club and the Marine Science Society.