Since no one has explained the cover in any detail, let me provide this information:
The "R/V" in R/V Knorr is an abbreviation for "Research Vessel". More on the ship is found here:
http://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=8157"Project FAMOUS" was an acronym for French-Ameircan Mid-Ocean Undersea Study.
Here's a period photo:
