- HACON project, a group of over two dozen scientists and engineers used an underwater robot to successfully explore a cryptic ocean world.
- On Earth, these active vent fields are profoundly rare realms.
- The first scientific results of this unprecedented deep sea mission, however, may come within six months.
What’s more inaccessible than the deep sea? A deep sea blanketed in a thick shell of ice, says an article published on their mashable website.
HACON project
Yet during a daunting October 2021 mission called the HACON project, a group of over two dozen scientists and engineers used an underwater robot to successfully explore a cryptic ocean world some 13,000 feet beneath the surface of the ice-covered Arctic Ocean.
It was the first time researchers surveyed rare volcanic vents — and the life there — in the remote Arctic.
It’s a challenge, but it can be done
“It opens a new frontier of exploration in the Arctic,” Eva Ramirez-Llodra, a deep sea ecologist for the Norwegian government who co-led the mission, told Mashable. “It’s a challenge, but it can be done.”
It’s a challenge because scientists can’t simply journey to the Arctic and drop a sturdy exploration robot into the water. They use a thick-hulled ship called an icebreaker to plow through packs of floating ice, called ice floes.
And once at their remote destination, scientists must contend with the drifting ice: The ship (containing the exploration robot) is lodged in the ice, but the ice is incessantly moving. This means the windows for deep sea exploration are constantly evolving.
Found windows to lower their new exploration robot
But the exploration team found windows to lower their new exploration robot “Aurora” down into the depths on a tether. Their target was the “Aurora vent field,” a deep sea region teeming with geyser-like vents called “black smokers” that blow hot, dark, volcanic liquid into the water.
Unique life, like snails, worms, and crustaceans thrive on the volcanic chemicals. In a lightless world without energy from the sun, the creatures have no other choice.
Rare realms
On Earth, these active vent fields are profoundly rare realms. All the known active vent areas would fit into just 19 square miles (50 square kilometers), explained Ramirez-Llodra.
That’s less than half the size of San Francisco. “They’re a tiny existence around the world,” she said. “They’re very unique so we need to protect them.”
Protecting them doesn’t just mean exploring and mapping the uncharted vent field at some 13,000 feet down. It also requires finding and sampling what lives there, so scientists can make a case for their protection.
This work is increasingly salient, if not urgent. Nations are preparing to mine the deep sea — with giant tank-like vehicles — for precious metals, which will inevitably destroy life on the seafloor.
Deep sea creatures, A source for future medicines
Down in the ocean, the HACON mission found snails and crustaceans living around the vents, and other critters like shrimp in the greater vent field. The team also took comprehensive samples of life that make up the base of the food web, like tiny worms and microbes.
Crucially, some of these deep sea creatures may produce chemicals that could be a source for future medicines. Already, scientists are testing marine chemicals for uses in the treatment of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, and melanoma.
“Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms,” says the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Unanswered question
With the unprecedented samples collected, the mission’s scientists will now scrutinize the life from this remote deep sea area.
Importantly, they want to know if much of the life around these Arctic black smokers is truly isolated and unique, or if it shares genes (and is “connected”) to deep sea life in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
It’s an unanswered question. But the researchers “expressed high confidence of new discoveries,” which will be announced in the coming few years, and beyond.
The first scientific results of this unprecedented deep sea mission, however, may come within six months, said Ramirez-Llodra.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: mashable.com
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate your blog posts. They’re always well-written, informative, and keep me coming back for more. Keep up the great work!
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
Every time I read a new post, I feel like I’ve learned something valuable or gained a new perspective. Thank you for consistently putting out such great content!
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
It means so much to receive positive feedback and know that my content is appreciated. I strive to bring new ideas and insights to my readers.
I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
I can’t get enough of your insightful articles and engaging stories. Thank you for sharing your passion with the world!
Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Keputusan yang tepat pak. Mudah2an menjadi jalan yang baik untuk kita semua. Aamiin
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
From start to finish, your content is simply amazing. You have a talent for making complex topics easy to understand and I always come away with valuable insights.
This blog post has left us feeling grateful and inspired
Let us know in the comments which of their posts has resonated with you the most.
This blog post hit all the right notes!
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let us know in the comments.
Thank you for the amazing blog post!
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
Who needs caffeine when I have you?
From the insightful commentary to the captivating writing, every word of this post is top-notch. Kudos to the author for producing such fantastic content.
It’s always a joy to stumble upon content that genuinely makes an impact and leaves you feeling inspired. Keep up the great work!
What type of content would you like to see more of in the future? Let us know in the comments!
Let me know what type of content you’d like to see more of in the future!
It means so much to receive positive feedback and know that my content is appreciated. I strive to bring new ideas and insights to my readers.
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
The key features of Saygrass artificial grass include its natural appearance, durability, and low maintenance requirements. Homeowners can now enjoy a lush green lawn without excessive water consumption, mowing, or pesticides. The pet-friendly and safe nature of Saygrass turf makes it an ideal choice for families and pet owners seeking a worry-free outdoor environment.
Let’s spread the love! Tag a friend who would appreciate this post as much as you did.
Let me know what type of content you’d like to see more of in the future!
Your blog post was fantastic, thanks for the great content!
Let’s spread the love! Tag a friend who would appreciate this post as much as you did.
Terus maju, Indonesia! Dukungan penuh untuk kebijakan yang diambil oleh pemerintah. Semoga langkah ini dapat membawa kemajuan dan kesejahteraan bagi seluruh rakyat Indonesia. #BanggaIndonesia #DukungKebijakanPemerintah
Share your favorite blog post in the comments below!
Let me know what type of content you’d like to see more of in the future!
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
I appreciate the effort that goes into creating high-quality content, and this post was no exception. The insights and information were top-notch and made for a really engaging read. Keep up the great work!
Every time I read one of your posts, I come away with something new and interesting to think about. Thanks for consistently putting out such great content!
Keep up the amazing work!
Thank you for the amazing blog post!
It’s not often that we come across content that really resonates with us, but this one is a standout. From the writing to the visuals, everything is simply wonderful.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this place.
Let’s spread the love! Tag a friend who would appreciate this post as much as you did.
Your words have resonated with us and we can’t wait to read more of your amazing content. Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion with the world.
Thank you for the awesome content, it’s always appreciated
This blog post hit all the right notes!
For the reason that the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very quickly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
ccavenue subscription