but first: yes, I think the Carpathia would make for a good story.

They say, (most websites that mention this although I don't know if it's the majority opinion of oceanographers), that 80% of the ocean floor, (as well as the depths), are unexplored.

I'm not sure what they mean by that but I assume they mean they haven't actually been down to the bottom. (manned or unmanned). I say that because even Google Earth has the floor mapped.... or is some of that 'guess work'?

From what I've read, (not really all that much), most agree that while the Mariana Trench is currently the deepest known spot in the ocean the chances are that there exists a deeper spot(s).

Now I don't want to get sstrams and waterfield all hot and bothered about breaking out their diving gear and heading out to explore - - - but then again... not sure how they can not get excited about that because it excites ME... and I've never dived, (well, legally that is).

Fact is.. to visit and explore any place... under the ocean or on land, that has never been explored before fascinates me. - JamesJM