All articles tagged with #deep sea ecosystems
A remotely operated vehicle discovered the deepest cold seep of gas hydrate at nearly 4,000 meters in the Greenland Sea, revealing a thriving ecosystem in an environment previously thought barren, with significant implications for understanding the Arctic's carbon cycle and biodiversity.
Scientists discovered a massive hydrogen-producing hydrothermal system beneath the Pacific Ocean's seafloor, called the Kunlun hydrothermal field, which challenges traditional views on hydrogen generation and offers insights into deep-sea ecosystems, Earth's internal processes, and potential sustainable energy sources.
Scientists have discovered that sea spiders in deep California methane seeps thrive by cultivating and grazing on methane-consuming bacteria on their bodies, revealing a unique survival strategy and potential role in reducing methane emissions, with implications for understanding deep-sea microbial ecosystems and climate change mitigation.
Scientists have discovered a distinct divide in deep-sea ecosystems, with soft-bodied organisms dominating depths below 4,400 meters, while hard-shelled mollusks are generally found above that line. This division is believed to be due to the availability of minerals necessary for shell formation. The findings highlight the importance of protecting biodiversity in these extreme environments, as they are vulnerable to human activities such as deep-sea mining. The research provides valuable insights into the delicate balance of deep-sea ecosystems and the potential impacts of climate change and ocean acidification.
Rapidly melting Antarctic ice is causing a dramatic slowdown in deep ocean currents, which could decline by 40% by 2050, reducing the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and prevent vital ocean nutrients reaching marine life. The deep-water flows which drive ocean currents carry vital heat, oxygen, carbon and nutrients around the globe. The effect of Antarctic meltwater on ocean currents has not yet been factored in to IPCC models on climate change, but it is going to be "considerable".