deep sea

A routine deep-sea survey off Southern California unexpectedly revealed massive, ancient sponge mounds, previously hidden in a well-explored area. These structures, vital nurseries for marine life, were found to be largely composed of dead sponges, whose skeletons form a base for new growth. The discovery highlights how much remains unknown even in familiar marine environments.

A new El Niño phase is set to begin within weeks, with the World Meteorological Organization expecting it to strengthen rapidly through 2026. Scientists are alarmed by signs pointing to a potential historic "super" El Niño, fueled by a massive sub-surface heatwave in the Pacific. This event is predicted to exacerbate global warming and trigger extreme weather worldwide.

The 1985 discovery of the RMS Titanic wreck in the North Atlantic marked a pivotal moment, transforming a legendary loss into a scientific and historical symbol. This planned oceanographic search, utilizing advanced technology, shifted focus from salvage to archaeological interpretation, highlighting the ethical considerations of preserving underwater heritage for future generations.

Oil India Limited has discovered natural gas in the Andaman Sea at the "Sri Vijayapuram-3" exploratory well. This significant find, located 15 km off the Andaman Islands, was confirmed through continuous flaring during initial production testing. The discovery is part of the government's "Samudra Manthan Mission" to boost offshore exploration.

Scientists have discovered that hot, molten rock is pulsing from deep within the Earth's mantle beneath Ethiopia's Afar region. This geological 'heartbeat' is driving the stretching of the Earth's crust, a process that could eventually lead to the formation of a new ocean over millions of years, offering a rare glimpse into continental breakup.

A lost robot submarine, Ran, has revealed a surprisingly complex hidden landscape beneath Antarctica's Dotson Ice Shelf. Detailed maps show giant terraces, deep channels, and unusual pits carved by ocean currents. These findings offer unprecedented insights into the unseen changes occurring below the ice, highlighting the dynamic processes shaping the shelf and its potential impact on sea levels.

Adventurous rock climbers in Italy's Umbria-Marche Apennines stumbled upon an extraordinary prehistoric discovery: fossilized tracks of ancient sea turtles fleeing an underwater earthquake. These remarkable grooves, preserved for eighty million years within the Scaglia Rossa Formation, were created as the turtles slid across the seabed, later buried by a massive sediment shift.

A 1977 voyage to the Galapagos Rift revealed life thriving in total darkness and extreme conditions. Creatures survived without sunlight, using chemicals from volcanic vents. This discovery challenged biology's core beliefs. It showed complex ecosystems can exist without photosynthesis. The findings now guide the search for alien life on other planets and moons. This expedition proved that groundbreaking progress often comes from unexpected places.