Deep-sea expedition explores underwater mountains – and discovers more than 100 new species

The deep sea has long been considered as hostile to life as space. Off the Chilean coast, however, researchers explored previously unknown underwater mountains and discovered extreme biodiversity and more than 100 new animal species.

Our oceans cover 71 percent of the Earth’s surface. Of the approximately 300 million square kilometers of seabed – about ten times the area of ​​Africa – only five percent has been explored so far. From a water depth of 200 meters it is so dark and cold, and the pressure so high, that the deep sea was long considered as hostile to life as space.

Researchers at the Schmidt Ocean Institute in California are now shedding light on this darkness. During several diving trips off the Chilean Pacific coast in January and February 2024, the team mapped more than 50,000 square kilometers of deep sea and discovered more than 100 previously unknown animal species.

Two underwater mountain ranges were examined, consisting of at least 200 mountains over a distance of 2,900 kilometers: the Nazca and the Salas-y-Gómez ridges. The mountains in particular, some of which rise more than 3,500 meters above the seabed, turned out to be surprisingly rich in species. In the vastness of the deep sea, such elevations form oases for life, as water masses from different ocean depths mix here and nutrients rise to the surface. In addition, the mountains with their rocky slopes provide a good substrate for cold-water reefs made of corals and sponges.

The location of the Nazca and Salas y Gómez ridges.
The largest of the four seamounts recently discovered by experts at the Schmidt Ocean Institute is 2,681 meters high, covers 450 square kilometers and is 1,150 meters below the surface.

Equipped with a 4K camera, a remote-controlled vehicle explored the seabed at a depth of almost five kilometers below the water’s surface. In addition to recording videos and images, the robot also collected samples. The expedition’s species, which have not yet been scientifically described, include deep-sea corals, glass sponges, sea urchins and various crustaceans.

A rarely seen whiplash squid (Mastigoteuthis) documented at 1105 meters after inking at Seamount 17 (Ikhtiandr) in the Nazca Ridge.  Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute All fish...
Elongated Dermechinus urchins documented at a depth of 516 meters at Seamount JF2.  An international group of scientists aboard a recent Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition believe they have discovered more...

The researchers were enthusiastic. «The expedition far exceeded our expectations. People always assume that new species will be found in these remote and little-explored areas, but the amount we have found is overwhelming,” said expedition leader Javier Sellanes of the Universidad Católica del Norte. “These thriving and healthy ecosystems demonstrate that at least the Nazca-Desventuradas and Juan Fernández Marine Parks are effectively protecting sensitive marine habitats.”

A stocky lobster documented in coral at a depth of 669 meters on Seamount JF2.  An international group of scientists aboard a recent Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition believe they have discovered more…
A stocky lobster has been documented on sediment at 1392 meters deep at Seamount SF2 in the Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park.  An international group of scientists on board a recent Schmidt Ocean Institute and...

However, the majority of the two ridges studied are located in international waters and are therefore potentially at risk from fishing and deep-sea mining. Bottom trawl nets, for example, mow down entire reefs that can only regenerate in the cold deep sea over the course of years or decades.

A spiral coral documented at 1419 meters depth on Seamount JF1, within the boundaries of the Mar de Juan Fernández Multiple Uses Marine Protected Area off the coast of central Chile.  Credit: ROV SuB...
Detail of a sponge documented at 1238.67 meters depth on Seamout 10, also known as Guyot Baral.  Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute All visual assets (images, videos, etc.) can only...

The researchers hope that the area’s diversity will help ensure it is fully designated as a marine protected area. This is intended to help preserve the unique ecosystem. “Imagine if this is the only place in the world where these kinds of species occur,” Jyotika Virmani, executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, told Business Insider. “Then you also want to protect that.”

Philip Rijk
Philip Rijk


Source: Blick

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I am Ross William, a passionate and experienced news writer with more than four years of experience in the writing industry. I have been working as an author for 24 Instant News Reporters covering the Trending section. With a keen eye for detail, I am able to find stories that capture people's interest and help them stay informed.

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