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What lies within the deep sea? Despite humanity's long forays into space, why does the deep sea on Earth still hold many mysteries for us?
The average depth of the global sea is 3,700 meters. So what lies beneath the deep sea? What kind of mysterious world is concealed there?
According to contemporary scientists, our understanding of the deep sea in the previous century was even less than our knowledge of the solar system! With the prevalence of manned and unmanned deep-sea submersibles, humans have begun to explore the depths below the ocean floor.
Currently, only a few countries worldwide possess independently developed manned submersibles capable of diving to depths of 10,000 meters, such as China and the United States.
The pressure in the depths of the ocean is hundreds of times greater than atmospheric pressure at the surface. To withstand such high pressure, deep-sea submersibles must be equipped to handle extreme pressures. If manned, they must also ensure the safety and comfort of those inside.
The area of the deep sea explored by humans is just a tiny fraction of the vastness of the oceans. With the global average depth of oceans at around 3,700 meters and oceans covering 70% of Earth's surface, there are still numerous hidden secrets waiting to be unveiled beneath the ocean's depths.
Deep sea refers to the deepest regions of the ocean, typically areas where the ocean floor is deeper than 200 meters. Due to its unique environment—characterized by different light, pressure, temperature, and other factors—deep-sea life and landscapes are entirely distinct from what we commonly encounter on land and in shallow seas.
Here are the key environmental and ecological features of the deep sea:
Deep-sea environment: Its water temperature and pressure are extremely high, reaching up to hundreds of atmospheres. The light is dim, and geological phenomena like deep-sea currents, underwater volcanoes, and hydrothermal vents are common.
Deep-sea fish: The deep sea hosts a multitude of fish species with peculiar appearances. Many have large mouths and reduced-function eyes. They often emit light to attract prey or find mates. Compared to shallow-sea fish, deep-sea fish have fewer bones and muscles, with a higher proportion of cartilage in their skeletons.
Abyssal Mud Pools: The organic matter in abyssal mud is exceptionally unique due to the low pressure and temperature, allowing a substantial amount of deep-sea organic material to gradually settle beneath the ocean floor.
Abyssal Mud Pools: The organic matter in abyssal mud is exceptionally unique due to the low pressure and temperature, allowing a substantial amount of deep-sea organic material to gradually settle beneath the ocean floor.
Thermal Vent Organisms in the Deep Sea: Thermal vent organisms in the deep sea refer to creatures living near hydrothermal vents. Temperatures at the center of these vents can reach several hundred degrees Celsius. It's hard to fathom the existence of a large population of bacteria thriving in such harsh conditions. Some of these bacteria feed on sulfur expelled from the vents, utilizing the energy absorbed from it.
Topography of the Deep Sea Floor: The topography of the deep-sea floor is often relatively complex and rugged, featuring deep-sea trenches, underwater cliffs, and channels.
Why is the deep sea still a mystery to humanity?
Exploring the deep sea is no easy task, requiring a multitude of skills, equipment, and specialized knowledge. Several reasons make it challenging for humans to access the mysteries beneath the ocean floor, including three main factors:
Firstly, the deep sea is an extremely harsh environment with very low temperatures, high pressure, and a lack of light. These factors make it difficult for humans to safely navigate without the aid of protective equipment and respiratory support. Additionally, the deep sea harbors various toxic gases and radioactive substances harmful to human health.
Secondly, the deep sea is a vast and intricate environment, with diverse terrains, geology, and a variety of organisms. To explore the deep sea, scientists must use various techniques and technologies, such as submarines, remotely operated observation devices, unmanned vehicles, or underwater robots. However, these tools still face limitations in mobility, signal transmission, and are confined to specific depths due to pressure constraints.
Thirdly, the deep sea is a less researched and understood environment, harboring many mysteries and challenges. Approximately only 5% of the ocean floor has been explored and accurately mapped, with nearly two-thirds of life beneath the seabed yet to be officially identified. Many phenomena and natural processes in the deep sea remain unclear.
These reasons elucidate why humans seldom delve into the deep sea. However, this does not imply a lack of interest or disregard for its values and potential. On the contrary, the deep sea is a valuable resource, a highlight for tourism and education, and a crucial factor in climate regulation and sustaining life on Earth. Therefore, exploring the deep sea is a necessary and meaningful task for the future of humanity.
Source: Earthlymission; Nature; NASA
