Through the porthole of a submersible and the eye of a renowned National Geographic photographer, mid-oceanic ridges and deep sea vents will burst to life at the 2004 Honorary Address, Nov. 9. Volcanoes of the Deep Sea is put on by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Educational Trust Fund, in partnership with the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists and APEGGA.

National Geographic photographer Emory Kristof leads a tour of imagery to the depths of the oceans, introducing a sunless world that flourishes along the Mid-Oceanic Ridges. At over 2,000 feet below sea level, technology will allow those who attend to discover the scalding black smokers as they billow ultra-hot fluids, and the unique organisms that exploit these rich waters.

Mr. Kristof’s work in the deep sea involves a challenging journey which has led to many scientific breakthroughs. Thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors, a complimentary afternoon presentation for over 2,400 students will help inspire a new generation of scientific explorers.

A staff photographer with National Geographic for about 35 years, Mr. Kristof has designed, built and successfully operated sophisticated photographic systems, opening up the deep sea. Through an impressive career, he’s documented such phenomena as new life forms on the Galapagos Rift, man’s first encounter with deep water sharks off Bermuda, and hot water vent animals in Russia’s Lake Baikal.

Tickets for the Honorary Address evening, starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at the Centre Street Auditorium in Calgary, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. The auditorium’s address is 3200 Second St. N.E., Calgary.

For further information, contact Penny Colton, P.Geoph., APEGGA’s Manager, Geoscience Affairs, at 403-262-7714, pcolton@apegga.org.