Robert Ballard

Robert Ballard is a retired United States Navy officer and a professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island who is most noted for his work in underwater archaeology. He is best known for the discoveries of the wrecks of the RMS Titanic in 1985, the battleship Bismarck in 1989, and the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown in 1998.

Early life and education

Ballard was born in Wichita, Kansas, but grew up in San Diego, California. His fascination with the sea began at an early age, and he pursued this interest by studying marine geology and geophysics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he received his undergraduate degree. He later earned his Ph.D. in marine geology and geophysics from the University of Southern California.

Career

Ballard joined the Institute for Exploration in the mid-1970s, where he developed new deep-sea exploration technologies. His most significant work has been in the use of deep-diving submersibles, such as the Alvin, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in underwater archaeology.

His most famous discovery was the wreck of the RMS Titanic in 1985, which he located at a depth of 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) in the North Atlantic Ocean. He has also discovered the wrecks of the German battleship Bismarck, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, and many other significant underwater sites.

Legacy

Ballard's work has had a profound impact on the field of underwater archaeology and has led to the development of new technologies and methodologies for deep-sea exploration. His discoveries have also captured the public imagination and have contributed to a greater understanding of maritime history and oceanography.

See also

• Underwater archaeology
• Maritime archaeology
• Deep-sea exploration