Oceanographers Unveil Colossal Underwater Mountain Taller Than Mount Olympus
Oceanographers from the Schmidt Ocean Institute have made an astonishing discovery in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. They've identified an underwater mountain, known as a seamount, that surpasses even Mount Olympus in height. Located approximately 900 miles off the coast of Chile, this submerged giant reaches a staggering height of 3,109 meters (2 miles) above the surrounding seafloor.
During a recent 28-day expedition aboard the research vessel R/V Falkor (too), the team utilized advanced sonar technology to map this massive underwater formation. The seamount covers around 70 square kilometers, making it a colossal feature of the ocean floor. For perspective, this underwater peak is nearly twice the height of Mount Olympus in Greece, which stands at 2,917 meters.
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The expedition not only uncovered the size of this mountain but also revealed its rich and diverse marine ecosystem. The researchers documented a variety of deep-sea life, including a ghostly white octopus informally dubbed the Casper octopus. This elusive creature had never been seen in the Southern Pacific before and does not yet have a scientific name. They also captured rare footage of a Promachoteuthis squid, a species previously known only from dead specimens.
Adding to the excitement, the team spotted two Bathyphysa siphonophores, affectionately known as "flying spaghetti monsters" due to their long, string-like tendrils. These rare deep-sea organisms are a fascinating sight and highlight the unique biodiversity of the seamount.
The underwater mountain supports a thriving ecosystem, featuring sponge gardens and ancient corals. One coral garden observed is as large as three tennis courts, providing habitat for various marine species including king crabs and rockfish. The research team also identified up to 20 potential new species during the expedition, expanding our understanding of life in these deep-sea environments.
This discovery is significant not only for its size and biodiversity but also for its implications for marine conservation. The region around the Nazca Ridge is being considered for designation as a high seas marine protected area, a step that would help safeguard its unique ecosystems from further human impact. With only 1% of the ocean currently under such protection, this potential designation represents a critical opportunity to preserve these newly discovered wonders.
The findings from this expedition contribute to a broader effort to map and understand the ocean's hidden depths. As researchers continue to explore and document these underwater realms, we gain valuable insights into the incredible and often mysterious life forms that inhabit our planet's vast oceans.
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