Many scientists are interested in learning about the ocean floor. Although it is said that only 0.001 percent of the total ocean area has been explored so far. Despite covering most of the Earth, scientists know very little about the deep sea. A recent study published in Science Advances says that humanity has so far known about less than 0.001 percent of the deep sea floor. This area is about the size of Rhode Island, or about one-tenth the size of Belgium. This limited exploration poses a significant challenge in properly understanding and preserving the largest ecosystem on our planet.
The deep ocean begins at a depth of more than 200 meters, which covers about two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. Despite its vastness, the ocean is the least explored part of the world. The deep ocean is home to a variety of organisms, regulates climate, produces oxygen, and plays an important role in providing valuable resources such as food and medicine. Phytoplankton living on the ocean surface produce about 80 percent of the oxygen on Earth. These organisms collect nutrients from deep ocean currents. Marine life helps absorb a significant amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The ocean contributes significantly to climate stability.
The ocean directly supports people. Every year, 200 million tons of seafood are supplied from the ocean. The ocean provides employment to about 60 million people worldwide. In addition, marine organisms such as sponges and bacteria play a role in treating various diseases, including HIV, breast cancer and COVID-19. For five decades, scientists have been discovering thousands of new marine compounds for potential treatments.
Despite the ocean’s great importance, people know little about the deep sea. A team of researchers from the Ocean Discovery League analyzed data from nearly 44,000 deep-sea dives conducted since 1958. Their findings highlight the severe limitations of visible exploration. Katie Croft Bell, president and scientist of the Ocean Discovery League, said, “We need a better understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and processes to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation. Human activities have been negatively impacting the deep-sea environment for centuries. The ocean is under pressure through pollution, resource exploitation and climate change. Researchers predict that the harmful effects of human activities and warming on the ocean will almost double in the future. The ocean has already absorbed about 90 percent of the excess heat and 30 percent of the carbon dioxide from human activities. This has resulted in warmer temperatures, reduced oxygen levels and increased ocean acidity. Such changes are making deep-sea habitats unfit. Disrupting marine life at different depths. Affecting biodiversity and productivity worldwide.
Source: Science Alert
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