In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have mapped the largest deep-sea coral reef to date, stretching an impressive 310 miles from Florida to South Carolina along the U.S. Atlantic coast. This newly uncovered reef spans nearly three times the size of Yellowstone National Park, revealing a vast and vibrant underwater ecosystem previously hidden from view.
Researchers, utilizing advanced underwater mapping technology, were able to construct detailed 3D images of the ocean floor, bringing to light the reef's extensive reach and intricate structure. Derek Sowers, an oceanographer at the nonprofit Ocean Exploration Trust, remarked, \"The largest yet known deep coral reef has been right under our noses, waiting to be discovered.\"
The discovery was recently published in the journal Geomatics by a team that includes scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The reef’s immense size, reaching up to 68 miles wide in some areas, highlights the unexplored potential of our ocean depths. Stuart Sandin, a marine biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, described the finding as \"eye-opening\" and \"breathtaking in scale.\"
Located at depths between 655 feet and 3,280 feet, where sunlight barely penetrates, this deep-sea coral reef thrives by filtering food particles from the water, a stark contrast to the photosynthesis-dependent growth of tropical reefs. Despite the challenging conditions, the reef supports a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, swordfish, sea stars, octopus, and shrimp.
While tropical reefs like Australia's Great Barrier Reef are well-known for their beauty and biodiversity, deep-sea reefs are far more extensive, covering larger areas of the ocean floor. However, both types of reefs face significant threats from climate change and industrial activities such as oil and gas drilling. Erik Cordes, a marine biologist at Temple University and co-author of the study, emphasized the vulnerability of these ecosystems.
With only about 75 percent of the world's ocean floor mapped in high resolution, the potential for discovering even larger deep-sea reefs remains high. Sowers and his team anticipate that future explorations will continue to unveil the hidden wonders of our planet's vast underwater landscapes.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
