Oceanographers from the Schmidt Ocean Institute in California have made a remarkable discovery, uncovering a colossal underwater mountain in the Pacific Ocean. Located 1,448 kilometers off the coast of Chile, the seamount rises 3,109 meters from the ocean floor—equivalent to the height of four Burj Khalifas stacked on top of each other. This newly found seamount is part of an underwater mountain range that is home to a diverse array of marine life, including corals, fish, and rare species of squid that have never been recorded before.
Mapping the Seamount Using Advanced Technology
The discovery was made during a 28-day expedition aboard the research vessel R/V Falkor, which used a sonar system under its hull to map the mountain in extraordinary detail. This is significant because, while the seafloor covers 71% of the Earth’s surface, only 26% has been mapped to this level of precision. The oceanographers noted that there are approximately 100,000 seamounts around the world, each over 1,000 meters (or 3,280 feet) in height, and this particular one is taller than Mount Olympus in Greece, though shorter than Mount Fuji in Japan.
Exploring the Rich Marine Ecosystem
The team explored one of the seamount’s ridges using an underwater robot, revealing a vibrant ecosystem. Among the species observed was a ghostly white octopus, affectionately dubbed “Casper,” marking the first time this deep-sea creature has been seen in the southern Pacific. The researchers also encountered rare Bathyphysa siphonophores, often referred to as “flying spaghetti monsters” due to their long, string-like appearance. In a notable achievement, they captured the first-ever video footage of the elusive Promachoteuthis squid, a species previously known only from a handful of collected specimens.
Contribution to Marine Conservation Efforts
These findings are among the most significant of the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s third expedition in 2024 to the Nazca Ridge, an area that may soon become the world’s first high seas marine protected area, following the adoption of a new UN Treaty in 2023. During the expedition, the team mapped and explored 25 seamounts, gathering substantial data that could bolster conservation efforts for this biologically rich region. Previous expeditions in January and February resulted in the identification of 150 new species, while the latest voyage added 20 new species to that list.
The extensive data collected throughout these missions is expected to play a crucial role in the push to protect the Nazca Ridge, highlighting the immense ecological value of seamounts as vital habitats for marine species.
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Source: Marine Insight
