Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes Our World by Helen Czerski (Omnibus)

Helen Czerski is at the forefront of marine science and in her new book she offers fascinating insights into the defining feature of our planet, its ocean.

Beginning with with the critical role played by the polar oceans, the programme explores the passengers and voyagers who live and travel across the ocean from the humble herring, to the cannibalistic Humboldt squid to the mysterious sea-potato. We also travel to the depths and encounter active volcanoes and an upside down waterfall. Czerski also examines the history of human fascination with the ocean, from nineteenth century polar explorers, to her own passion for Hawaii's canoeing prowess.

Omnibus of five episodes abridged by Penny Leicester.

Read by Lyndsey Marshal.

Helen Czerski is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at UCL. She studies the bubbles underneath breaking waves in the open ocean to understand their effects on weather. Czerski hosts the Ocean Matters podcast, and is a columnist for the Wall Street Journal. She is also the author of the bestselling Storm in a Teacup: the Physics of Everyday Life.

Producer: Elizabeth Allard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2023.