The mysteries of the ocean’s depths have always piqued human curiosity. Below are the 10 most shocking mysteries about the ocean floor.
Octopus living at the ocean floor. This mysterious creature is believed to be related to the species of octopus found in the Antarctic region, living deep below the ocean’s surface. According to researchers, about 20 million years ago, this species of octopus migrated to deeper waters. Many have lost their ink sacs for defense as the pitch-black deep-sea environment does not require camouflage.
Brittle Star City. Brittle Star refers to the sea stars that typically inhabit coral reefs on the ocean floor. The underwater mountains create swirling currents that provide abundant food sources for these sea stars.
Creatures in the Antarctic deep sea. The Antarctic deep sea is home to countless extraordinary creatures. Many strange species have been found living in the icy waters at depths ranging from 600 to 6400 meters below the sea surface. Scientists have yet to explain how these organisms can survive in such frigid conditions.
Hydrothermal vents in the Arctic. Hydrothermal vents, also known as black smokers, spew hot liquid at nearly 300 degrees Celsius. Researchers have discovered five hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor in the Arctic, covered by white bacteria that consume minerals.
Black smoker fossils reveal the origin of life. Geologists excavated a 1.43 billion-year-old black smoker fossil, suggesting that life may have originated from the ocean floor.
Bacteria parasitizing the ocean floor crust. Scientists have found that the ocean floor contains 3 to 4 times more bacteria than surface waters. Researchers are puzzled about how these organisms can thrive and survive on the ocean floor.
Spawning grounds of deep-sea fish. Researchers have discovered that many different fish species live on the ocean floor, despite the dark and cold environment. There is some evidence that they gather in certain locations, such as underwater mountains, to spawn.
Giant squid. This squid species is not only massive but also has enormous eyes. Many individuals can weigh up to 453 kg and measure 8 meters in length, with eyes nearly 28 cm long, comparable to the size of an orange.
Coral at the ocean floor. Contrary to popular belief that coral only grows in warm ocean waters, researchers have found some coral reefs tens of kilometers below the ocean surface, in environments that have been frozen for millennia. The oldest coral sample found is 4000 years old, discovered in Hawaii.
Destruction of the ocean floor by trawling. The fishing method using trawling (dragging nets along the river or ocean floor) is causing coral reefs to gradually disappear and severely damaging underwater ecosystems. Scientists are currently puzzled about how to save the ocean floor.
