Scientists aboard an exploration vessel off the coast of South America have recently uncovered four massive underwater mountains, reaching heights of 5,200 to 8,800 feet. This significant discovery sheds light on the largely uncharted depths of the Earth’s oceans, with more than 80 percent of its expanse remaining unmapped and unexplored. The team of researchers, led by Jyotika Virmani of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, made this remarkable find while studying “seamounts” on the vessel Falkor.
Using sonar equipment, Virmani and her team detected gravity anomalies as they sailed from Costa Rica to Chile, ultimately revealing these colossal underwater formations. She expressed astonishment at the discovery of not just one or two, but four such mountains, emphasizing the vast unknowns of the ocean floor. The slanted sides of these seamounts typically teem with marine life, underscoring the significance of these findings for biodiversity and conservation efforts.
With this latest discovery, the team has now identified 29 seamounts, a mere fraction of the many mountains that still elude our understanding. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Ocean Exploration organization estimates that there are likely more than 100,000 seamounts above 3,300 feet in height. Moreover, a different study has suggested that there are nearly 20,000 more seamounts waiting to be discovered, despite over 24,600 already mapped.
This lack of comprehensive maps of the seafloor has been described as “crazy” by marine biologist Kerry Howell, emphasizing the need for further exploration and study of these underwater giants. The rich biodiversity of seamounts underscores the urgency of conducting research to support ongoing conservation efforts, prompting scientists to utilize advanced mapping techniques to gain a deeper understanding of these hidden landscapes.
This groundbreaking discovery of previously unknown seamounts serves as a testament to the vast unexplored expanses of the world’s oceans, urging further investigation and research to unlock the mysteries concealed beneath the waves. These findings underscore the vital importance of understanding and protecting the ecosystems and marine life dwelling in these uncharted territories.