‘s Coast Over 100 newly discovered species were found in the depths of the ocean near the coast of Chile.
A team of scientists from around the world has identified over 100 previously unknown species residing on seamounts near the coast of Chile.
The scientists claim that the findings from a recent Schmidt Ocean expedition, ranging from deep-sea corals and glass sponges to sea urchins, amphipods, and squat lobsters, may be influential in advancing new scientific knowledge.
Erin Easton, an assistant professor at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley who was involved in the expedition, said scientists collected specimens from the Nazca Ridge and Salas y Gomez Ridge — two underwater mountain chains that stretch across 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) in the southeastern Pacific — as well as from the Juan Fernandez ridge, located on the Nazca Plate off the west coast of South America.
Easton stated that the goal is to determine how the benthic or seafloor animal communities vary in relation to depth and among various seamounts. The study aimed to identify if each seamount community is unique or if they share similarities, in order to aid conservation management decisions.
More than 100 previously unknown species have been found inhabiting seamounts near the shores of Chile. Ranging from deep-sea corals to glass sponges, these findings from a recent expedition by Schmidt Ocean could potentially add to the scientific community’s knowledge.
Exploring the Nazca and Salas y Gomez Ridge, scientists utilized an underwater robot to delve into the depths of the ocean.
The researchers aim to utilize this information in order to establish an internationally protected area for the open ocean.
During our journey, we had the opportunity to witness more than 150 species that had not been previously documented in the area. We suspect that at least 100 of these species may be new to the scientific world. One notable discovery was the presence of cactus urchins, which were significantly larger than the average urchin and measured about half a meter in height, according to Easton.
She mentioned that we saw a forest of bamboo corals, which were most likely thousands of years old, as well as various other species of corals that were also probably thousands of years old.
The researchers were able to chart 52,777 square kilometers of the ocean floor.
Jyotika Virmani, the executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute, mentioned that there are numerous regions of the globe that remain unexplored and uncharted. Along with the discovery of new species, scientists also identified four previously unknown seamounts, which are essentially underwater mountains.
Virmani stated that this particular area holds significance due to its diverse range of species and its captivating geological features. It serves as a junction where multiple tectonic plates converge.
Source: voanews.com
