In Our Time The Challenger Expedition 1872-1876
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Dec 22, 2022 
Join Sam Robinson, a marine research fellow, Giles Miller, a micropalaeontology expert, and Erica Jones, a curator of navigation, as they dive into the groundbreaking Challenger Expedition of 1872-1876. They discuss the astonishing discoveries of new marine species and the first evidence of life in the ocean's depths. The conversation highlights the logistical challenges faced by the crew and the influence of telegraphy in sharing their findings. This voyage is revealed to be as revolutionary as the Apollo missions, laying the groundwork for modern oceanography.
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Oceanographic Research in the 1860s
- The 1860s marked a turning point in oceanographic research, fueled by the transatlantic telegraph cable.
- Scientists sought to understand the ocean floor for practical reasons and to explore evolutionary links between modern and ancient life.
Early Deep-Sea Discoveries
- William Carpenter and Charles Wyville Thompson, driven by evolutionary questions, conducted preliminary research in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic.
- Their discovery of life at 3,500 meters sparked international interest in a larger expedition.
HMS Challenger
- HMS Challenger, a wooden-hulled corvette built in 1858, was chosen for the expedition.
- The ship, already a seasoned traveler, was refitted with laboratories to accommodate a small scientific team.