The Pacific Ocean’s deep Clarion-Clipperton Zone has been explored by researchers, revealing the pink sea pig and a multitude of previously unseen species. This expedition took place between Mexico and Hawaii, in the abyssopelagic zone, a dark and mysterious world that has now been brought to light. Thomas Dahlgren from the University of Gothenburg was part of the team aboard the British research vessel James Cook. Dahlgren describes these deep-sea areas as Earth’s least explored, with only a fraction of the animal species living there known to science.
The area studied is part of the Abyssal Plains, characterized by depths ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 meters. Despite covering more than half of the Earth’s surface, little is known about the fascinating animal life in these regions. Dahlgren finds it exhilarating to be part of discovering new species and ecosystems in a manner reminiscent of 18th-century explorations.
Due to scarcity of food, creatures living in the Abyssal Plains are spread far apart. However, the diversity of species present in this region is surprisingly high, with many showcasing specialized adaptations such as large sea cucumbers acting as ocean floor vacuum cleaners. These discoveries highlight unique and intriguing life forms thriving in these deep-sea environments.
In March, after a 45-day research expedition to Clarion Clipperton Zone led by Thomas Dahlgren from University of Gothenburg and NORCE research institute was completed aboard British research vessel James Cook revealed that they found pink sea pig among other previously unseen species. This discovery illuminated vast biodiversity hidden in ocean’s depths.
The Clarion Clipperton Zone is located between Mexico and Hawaii in abyssopelagic zone – a dark and mysterious world that has now been brought to light by researchers.
Thomas Dahlgren from University of Gothenburg who was part of team aboard James Cook described deep-sea areas as Earth’s least explored with only fraction animal species living there known to science.
Abyssal Plains are characterized by depths ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 meters which covers more than half Earth’s surface but little is known about fascinating animal life in these regions.
Dahlgren finds it exhilarating to be part of discovering new species and ecosystems reminiscent of explorations during 18th century.
Despite scarcity food creatures living on Abyssal Plains are spread far apart but diversity present is surprisingly high with many specialized adaptations including large sea cucumbers acting ocean floor vacuum cleaners which highlights intriguing life forms thriving in these deep-sea environments.
