What do you think?
Rate this book
Mapping the Deep: Innovation, Exploration, and the Dive of a Lifetime
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the depths of the ocean.
Oceanographer Dawn Wright made history in 2022 when she became the first Black person to visit Challenger Deep, the deepest and most unexplored place on Earth—a trip that took her over 10,000 meters beneath the Pacific Ocean’s surface. We know less about the ocean floor than we do about the surface of the moon. To date, barely one-fifth of the seabed has been mapped in high resolution. As an ocean scientist and explorer, Dawn has made it her mission to change that.
Mapping the Deep takes you on an extraordinary adventure with an extraordinary woman into the depths of Challenger Deep, showcasing the perseverance and innovation needed for ocean exploration. With a focus on Dawn’s historic dive, her personal journey, and the cutting-edge technology that made the expedition possible, this book highlights the crucial importance of mapping the ocean and its profound impact on our planet’s future. Prepare to be inspired—from the fascinating history of the area and the incredible stories of its explorers to the diverse marine life that lives within.
Through a blend of history and fascinating facts, Mapping the Deep offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of deep-sea exploration.
Oceanographer Dawn Wright made history in 2022 when she became the first Black person to visit Challenger Deep, the deepest and most unexplored place on Earth—a trip that took her over 10,000 meters beneath the Pacific Ocean’s surface. We know less about the ocean floor than we do about the surface of the moon. To date, barely one-fifth of the seabed has been mapped in high resolution. As an ocean scientist and explorer, Dawn has made it her mission to change that.
Mapping the Deep takes you on an extraordinary adventure with an extraordinary woman into the depths of Challenger Deep, showcasing the perseverance and innovation needed for ocean exploration. With a focus on Dawn’s historic dive, her personal journey, and the cutting-edge technology that made the expedition possible, this book highlights the crucial importance of mapping the ocean and its profound impact on our planet’s future. Prepare to be inspired—from the fascinating history of the area and the incredible stories of its explorers to the diverse marine life that lives within.
Through a blend of history and fascinating facts, Mapping the Deep offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of deep-sea exploration.
- GenresNonfiction
186 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2024
1 person is currently reading
109 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 27, 2025
The portions pertaining to deep sea exploration and the history of how humans discovered the Mariana Trench were a great introduction to oceanography. However, I cannot see myself recommending it to others. I’m sure the author means well, but praising private investors while simultaneously acknowledging that the community needs more marginalized groups reduces the ratings for me.
December 24, 2025
Book Review: Mapping the Deep: Innovation, Exploration, and the Dive of a Lifetime by Dawn J. Wright
Mapping the Deep is a captivating blend of science, exploration, and personal triumph that takes readers to one of the most mysterious places on Earth—the ocean’s deepest point. Oceanographer Dawn J. Wright invites us into the crushing darkness of Challenger Deep, sharing not only the details of her historic 2022 dive but also the passion, perseverance, and innovation that fueled the journey.
Wright’s achievement as the first Black person to reach Challenger Deep adds powerful context to the narrative, but the book never frames the moment as a solitary milestone. Instead, it is presented as part of a larger mission: to better understand and map the vast, largely unexplored ocean floor. With clarity and enthusiasm, Wright explains why ocean mapping matters, how little we truly know about our own planet, and how cutting-edge technology is transforming deep-sea exploration.
The book shines in its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Readers are guided through the history of ocean exploration, the technological breakthroughs that made the dive possible, and the astonishing marine life that thrives in extreme conditions. Interwoven with these insights is Wright’s personal story—her curiosity, determination, and unwavering belief in the importance of discovery.
Enhanced by striking imagery and fascinating facts, Mapping the Deep feels both educational and inspirational. It underscores the urgency of understanding the oceans in the face of climate change while celebrating human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration.
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, an aspiring explorer, or simply curious about the hidden depths of our planet, Mapping the Deep is an enlightening and empowering read. Dawn J. Wright not only takes readers on the dive of a lifetime but also leaves them with a deeper appreciation for the oceans—and the people bold enough to explore them.
Mapping the Deep is a captivating blend of science, exploration, and personal triumph that takes readers to one of the most mysterious places on Earth—the ocean’s deepest point. Oceanographer Dawn J. Wright invites us into the crushing darkness of Challenger Deep, sharing not only the details of her historic 2022 dive but also the passion, perseverance, and innovation that fueled the journey.
Wright’s achievement as the first Black person to reach Challenger Deep adds powerful context to the narrative, but the book never frames the moment as a solitary milestone. Instead, it is presented as part of a larger mission: to better understand and map the vast, largely unexplored ocean floor. With clarity and enthusiasm, Wright explains why ocean mapping matters, how little we truly know about our own planet, and how cutting-edge technology is transforming deep-sea exploration.
The book shines in its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Readers are guided through the history of ocean exploration, the technological breakthroughs that made the dive possible, and the astonishing marine life that thrives in extreme conditions. Interwoven with these insights is Wright’s personal story—her curiosity, determination, and unwavering belief in the importance of discovery.
Enhanced by striking imagery and fascinating facts, Mapping the Deep feels both educational and inspirational. It underscores the urgency of understanding the oceans in the face of climate change while celebrating human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration.
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, an aspiring explorer, or simply curious about the hidden depths of our planet, Mapping the Deep is an enlightening and empowering read. Dawn J. Wright not only takes readers on the dive of a lifetime but also leaves them with a deeper appreciation for the oceans—and the people bold enough to explore them.
January 31, 2025
Deep sea Dawn is a rockstar and this is the perfect book for anyone interested in ocean exploration, even if they have no background knowledge!
October 6, 2025
Science facts. A little bit of a biography. Important information about our planet and the oceans.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews