Below a certain depth, the sea becomes very hostile to humanity.
A collection of newly discovered creatures lurking at the bottom of the ocean shows just how alien this strange world can be.
in his Clarion-Clipperton zone Pacific OceanBetween Mexico and Hawaii, marine scientists have discovered animals that humanity has never seen before: creatures that live very different lives in the perpetual darkness of the valley pelagic zone.
«These regions are the least explored on Earth. It is estimated that only one in ten species of animals living here has been described by sciencesays Thomas Dahlgren, a marine ecologist at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.
«This is one of the few events where researchers can participate in the discovery of new species and ecosystems as they did in the 18th century. Very exciting».
Below a certain depth, the sea becomes very hostile to humanity. The weight of the water creates high pressures – sunlight cannot penetrate deep into the water, resulting in permanent darkness – and temperatures are low, only a few degrees above freezing. But our technology can go where humans cannot.
The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) covers an area of about 6 million square kilometers. It is part of a polymetallic nodule sea floor, but home to a unique and diverse marine life, much of which is unknown to science. A recent expedition, part of an international effort to map and understand these marine ecosystems, revealed how much remains to be discovered.
The newly discovered species show many fascinating adaptations to their harsh environment. Some have bioluminescent features that allow them to navigate and hunt in pitch-black water. Others have unusual physical adaptations, such as elongated bodies, reduced or no eyes, to compensate with heightened other senses for finding food and avoiding predators.
These findings are not only scientifically exciting, but also important for conservation efforts. Understanding the biodiversity and ecological importance of this area is essential to develop effective conservation strategies and ensure that the impacts of human activities are minimized.
Marine ecologist Thomas Dahlgren underlines the significance of these findings. “Exploring these levels is like stepping into a time machine, providing a glimpse into the beginnings of life on Earth.“, says. “Each new species we discover adds a piece to the puzzle of our planet’s history and evolution».
The technology enabling these discoveries includes remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), equipped with high-definition cameras and sophisticated sensors. These devices will withstand the extreme conditions of the deep sea, capture images and collect samples that scientists can analyze to identify new species.
