Researchers noted that visual documentation efforts began in the late 1950s with submersibles like the Trieste and Alvin. The small explored area is slightly more extensive than Rhode Island, prompting concerns among scientists regarding potential seabed mining operations for critical minerals. Marine biologist Katy Croff Bell, who spearheaded the study, emphasized the importance of additional research, advocating for informed decision-making as nations consider industrial activities in the ocean depths. She pointed out that obtaining more knowledge is crucial, especially in light of climate change and other human impacts on marine ecosystems. “You can just imagine what’s in the rest of the 99.999 percent,” she pondered, reflecting the allure and excitement of unexplored territories. Understanding the deep sea is vital, not only for mitigating ecological risks but also for illuminating the complex relationships among organisms inhabiting these largely untouched environments.
Exploring the Unseen Depths: Humanity's Limited Knowledge of the Deep Seafloor
Exploring the Unseen Depths: Humanity's Limited Knowledge of the Deep Seafloor
A recent study reveals that only a minuscule fraction of the deep seafloor has been visually documented, raising questions about future seabed mining.
Humans have only explored around 1,470 square miles of the deep seafloor, which is only 0.001 percent of the total area, according to a new report published in Science Advances. This study highlights the need for further exploration and understanding of this enigmatic underwater world.
