The HMS Challenger embarked on a groundbreaking three-year voyage in 1872, aiming to gather comprehensive data about the ocean's environment and its inhabitants. During its extensive journey of 127,580 km (79,280 mi) around the globe, the crew conducted 492 deep-sea soundings, along with 284 dredges and trawls. This led to the discovery of 4,700 new marine species, meticulously recorded and illustrated by expedition artist John James Wild.

Timeline of Key Moments:

00:00 - Introduction

01:42 - Chapter 1: Setting Sail - Preparing the HMS Challenger

03:09 - Chapter 1: Setting Sail - The Theories

04:12 - Chapter 2: The Discoveries - The Challenger Deep

05:45 - Chapter 2: The Discoveries - Trawling and Dredging

06:31 - Chapter 2: The Discoveries - Disproving the Abyssus (Azoic) Theory

07:09 - Chapter 2: The Discoveries - Finding New Species

08:30 - Chapter 3: Dawn of Oceanography - The Extent of the Voyage

09:07 - Chapter 3: Dawn of Oceanography - The Scientific Revolution

09:45 - Chapter 3: Dawn of Oceanography - The Future of Ocean Science

Featuring the exceptional voice of Samuel Stocks as Sublieutenant Lord George Campbell. Want to hire his voice for your project? Check him out on Fiverr or follow him on Twitter.

Explore more on our Deep Sea Website.

Music Credits:

Kevin MacLeod's music, including 'Air Prelude', 'Mighty and Meek', 'Metaphysik', and 'Majestic Hills', is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Check the source and license for more details. 'Aioli' by Andrew Langdon is also featured.