Tag

Deep Sea Ecosystem

All articles tagged with #deep sea ecosystem

Antarctica's Exposed Seafloor Reveals a Thriving Hidden Ocean
science28 days ago

Antarctica's Exposed Seafloor Reveals a Thriving Hidden Ocean

When the A-84 iceberg split from the George VI Ice Shelf, about 510 square kilometers of seafloor were exposed, allowing scientists aboard the R/V Falkor to document a vibrant deep-sea ecosystem in 1,300 meters of water, including sponges, corals, icefish, octopuses, giant sea spiders and phantom jellyfish; the life appears sustained by ocean currents and glacial meltwater, challenging assumptions about life under ice and informing projections of future climate-driven changes.

Unveiling the Pacific's Hidden Depths: New Discoveries of Underwater Cities and Life
science8 months ago

Unveiling the Pacific's Hidden Depths: New Discoveries of Underwater Cities and Life

Scientists have discovered the Kunlun hydrothermal field near Papua New Guinea, which is over 100 times larger than the previously known Lost City system. This vast, hydrogen-rich underwater ecosystem offers insights into the origin of life through chemosynthesis and has potential as a renewable energy resource due to its significant hydrogen flux. Its unique location and features challenge existing assumptions about hydrothermal vent environments and open new avenues for research.

Deep-sea Sea Spiders Thrive on Methane in Darkness
science9 months ago

Deep-sea Sea Spiders Thrive on Methane in Darkness

Scientists discovered new sea spiders off Southern California that survive by grazing on bacteria that convert methane into nutrients, revealing a unique deep-sea ecosystem and a potential new pathway in the global carbon cycle. These spiders carry bacteria on their limbs and eggs, which help them process methane, challenging previous assumptions about methane-fed ecosystems and highlighting the importance of preserving such habitats.

"Norway's Approval of Seabed Mining Sparks Environmental Concerns"
environment2 years ago

"Norway's Approval of Seabed Mining Sparks Environmental Concerns"

Norway has become the first country to approve seabed mining, a move that has raised concerns among scientists and environmental organizations about potential irreversible damage to biodiversity and ecosystems. Despite claims of necessity for a low-carbon economy, many experts argue that terrestrial metal resources are sufficient and that the ecological impacts of deep-sea mining are not fully understood. Scientists and environmental groups are disappointed by the Norwegian government's decision, which they say ignored scientific advice and could lead to irreversible destruction of unique marine habitats.