All articles tagged with #underwater exploration
Scientists exploring the largely unmapped seafloor near Hawaii discovered a natural formation resembling a stone-paved path, made of volcanic crust, highlighting the vast unknowns of Earth's deep oceans and providing insights into underwater geology and ecosystems.
A juvenile epaulette shark was observed walking along the seabed of the Great Barrier Reef using its fins, showcasing its unique ability to move across land and rocks to find food, thanks to specialized organs and adaptations, as captured by marine biologist Jacinta Shackleton.
OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush reportedly wanted Pearl Jam to be part of the doomed Titanic submersible for publicity, according to a Netflix documentary. The submersible imploded during a descent to the Titanic, killing all onboard, amid prior safety concerns and unusual publicity ideas. The incident highlights the risks of deep-sea exploration and the tragic outcome of the Titan disaster.
The Taam Ja’ Blue Hole in Chetumal Bay, Mexico, has been identified as the deepest known blue hole, reaching depths of at least 1,380 feet. This discovery could reveal a network of underwater caves and tunnels, potentially housing unknown ecosystems. Scientists are eager to explore further, as the blue hole's unique layers suggest connections to other submerged formations, offering insights into marine biodiversity and life in extreme environments.
David Michael VanZandt, a 70-year-old founder of the underwater explorer nonprofit Cleveland Underwater Explorers Inc. (CLUE), was found dead in Lake Erie while diving on a newly discovered shipwreck. The U.S. Coast Guard had initiated a search for the missing diver, and his body was later recovered near East 9th Street Pier. VanZandt had been documenting shipwrecks in the Great Lakes since 1995.
Colombia has begun exploring the San José galleon, an 18th-century Spanish shipwreck carrying an estimated £16bn ($20bn) in treasure, sunk by the British Royal Navy in 1708. The site has been declared a protected archaeological area, and the initial phase involves using remote sensors and underwater robots to study the wreck. The project aims to preserve the site due to its significant scientific and heritage value, amid ongoing legal disputes over ownership of the treasure.
Nintendo has revealed new details for the upcoming game Endless Ocean Luminous, set to release on Switch on May 2nd. The game will feature the ability to take selfies with fish, a wide variety of underwater creatures to discover, customizable diving experiences, online challenges, and diverse underwater terrains to explore. Players can pre-order the game from the eShop, and it promises an exciting and immersive underwater adventure.
Scientists have discovered the remains of an island the size of Iceland off the coast of Brazil, submerged beneath the waves. The island, which existed around 45 million years ago, was found through the presence of red clay and distinctive mineral makeup, indicating its tropical origins. The discovery sheds light on the geological history of the area and has potential economic value due to its ferromanganese crusts. Brazil is seeking to extend its maritime borders to include the Rio Grande Rise, where the island was found, and prove its geological similarities to the nation.
Over 100 new species, including corals, glass sponges, sea urchins, amphipods, and lobsters, have been discovered on an underwater mountain range off the coast of Chile. The international team of scientists used an underwater robot to explore the seamounts along the Nazca and Salas y Gómez Ridge, uncovering a diverse range of never-before-seen marine life at depths of up to 4,500 meters. The findings highlight the urgent need to protect marine environments in the Pacific and beyond, and a second expedition is set to begin to further explore the area.
Nintendo has announced Endless Ocean™ Luminous for Nintendo Switch, offering players the chance to explore a mysterious underwater world with over 500 species of marine life. The game allows for shared expeditions of up to 30 players online and includes a free 7-day trial for Nintendo Switch Online membership. Players will need an Internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online membership to participate in shared expeditions, with the trial code redeemable from May 2, 2024, until December 31, 2025.
An unmanned research submersible named Ran disappeared beneath Antarctica's Thwaites glacier during its second expedition, leading to a comprehensive search by researchers from the University of Gothenburg. The submersible, which had previously detailed maps of the glacier's underside, was lost under 1,500 feet of ice, marking the end of its five-year tenure. Despite the loss, the valuable data gathered by Ran during its expeditions has provided significant insights into the melting mechanisms of the glacier, with plans to replace the submersible in the future.
A submersible named Ran, used to study the underneath of Antarctica's "doomsday glacier" Thwaites, has mysteriously disappeared during its latest expedition. The uncrewed underwater vehicle, which had been successfully diving underneath the ice, failed to appear at the rendezvous point during one trip and has not been located despite extensive searches. The researchers suspect it ran into trouble under the ice, and its batteries are now dead. The team plans to replace the submersible and continue its important research.
The unmanned underwater vehicle Ran, used for research under the glaciers of Antarctica, has gone missing during an expedition with the South Korean icebreaker RV/IB Araon. The vehicle, owned by the University of Gothenburg, has contributed to important knowledge about the Thwaites Glacier. Despite extensive search efforts, it is suspected that Ran encountered trouble under the ice and was unable to return. The loss of Ran, valued at SEK 38 million, is a setback for polar research, but efforts are underway to replace it and continue the valuable work it has contributed to.
Deep Sea Vision claims to have found a sonar image of a plane matching the dimensions of Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Electra aircraft about 15,000 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. The company's finding is the latest in the decades-old mystery of Earhart's disappearance, but confirming whether it is actually her plane could take years. The crew plans to return to the site for further research, and if validated, the discovery would be a crucial clue in solving the trailblazing pilot's disappearance.
Zealandia, Earth's eighth continent, has been completely mapped for the first time, revealing ancient secrets such as a giant volcanic region that ignited when the continent broke off from Gondwana, and a 4000-kilometer-long granite backbone. The mapping, conducted by an international team of scientists, provides a comprehensive understanding of Zealandia's geological history and paves the way for further exploration and discovery.