In the uncharted waters off the Pacific coast of Chile, a groundbreaking discovery has shed light on the depths of our planet’s oceans. An international team of scientists, led by Dr. Javier Sellanes from the Universidad Católica del Norte, has uncovered over 100 previously undiscovered species residing along an underwater mountain range. This remarkable find took place during an expedition to the Nazca and Salas y Gómez Ridge, a 2,900-kilometer chain of submerged mountains extending from Chile’s coast to Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui.
By utilizing advanced underwater robotics, the team ventured to depths of 4,500 meters below sea level to explore 10 of the 200 seamounts that make up this range. Seamounts, which are often extinct volcanoes with steep sides, act as biodiversity hotspots that provide crucial habitats for various marine life forms, offering a stable foundation, sustenance, and nutrients. The discoveries made during the expedition not only emphasize the richness of life hidden beneath the ocean’s surface but also stress the urgent need to conserve these delicate marine environments.
Each seamount revealed its unique ecosystem, showcasing thriving coral reefs, sponge gardens, and a diverse collection of aquatic species, many of which may already be at risk. Through this incredible journey of discovery, the scientific team aims to illuminate the unseen corners of our world and advocate for the conservation of its marvels for future generations.
The expedition, led by Dr. Javier Sellanes, uncovered a hidden treasure trove of marine biodiversity as the international team of scientists delved into the seamounts along the Nazca and Salas y Gómez Ridge. This underwater mountain range, stretching an impressive 2,900 kilometers from the shores of Chile to the remote Rapa Nui (Easter Island), has long fascinated marine biologists and oceanographers.
At the heart of this expedition was the deployment of cutting-edge underwater robotics, enabling the team to explore depths of up to 4,500 meters below the ocean’s surface. These remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), equipped with high-definition cameras and advanced sampling tools, allowed the scientists to navigate the rugged terrain of the seamounts, gathering invaluable data and specimens without disturbing the fragile marine ecosystems.
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