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What is the Deep Ocean?

The deep ocean refers to the vast, unexplored regions of the ocean below 200 meters, where sunlight no longer penetrates.

This amazing realm makes up more than 80% of the Earth’s ocean volume, remains to be fully explored and is characterized by:

 
Extreme darkness
Beyond the reach of sunlight.
Immense pressure
Increasing linearly with depth.
Cold temperatures
Typically, 2-8 degree Celsius.
Unique ecosystems
Home to fascinating creatures and environments

Layers of the Ocean

Why is the Deep Ocean important?

The deep ocean plays a vital role in maintaining Earth’s climatic and biogeochemical balance and sustaining life. It provides several key ecosystem services to humanity.

Climate regulation

Moderates long term climate change by exchanging heat with the atmosphere.

Acts as a carbon sink by absorbing CO₂ thereby slowing climate change.

Global connectivity

A complex network of ocean currents encircles the globe that connect ocean basins.

Ocean currents redistribute chemicals and species from nutrients, carbon dioxide but also larvae and micro plastics.

Biodiversity hotspot

Hosts a wealth of unique species, from viruses to bioluminescent fish and from sea gras to deep-sea corals.

Deep ocean features such as sea-mounts, canyons, undersea volcanos or hot vents provide a large variety of deep-sea habitats.

Economic Benefits

Supports food security by sustainable harvesting of deep sea life.

Contains resources such as genetic material for biotechnology, oil and gas or minerals.

Inspiration

Deep ocean spaces and their discovery and science inspires humanity.

The deep ocean is a place for stories and mysteries to be shared and imagined.

Deep Ocean Science and Discovery

The Deep Ocean in one of the last frontiers of our planet to be discovered and systematically explored. Exploring the deep ocean involves the use of advanced scientific methods and cutting-edge deep ocean technology. It is a multidisciplinary field that seeks to uncover the secrets of the planet’s largest and least explored ecosystem. Here’s how science is driving our understanding of the deep ocean:
Marine Biology: Exploring Life in the Depths
The deep ocean is home to unique and extraordinary life forms adapted to extreme conditions
Bioluminescent organisms
Creatures like anglerfish and jellyfish use light to communicate and hunt in the pitch-dark environment.
Extreme adaptations
Organisms survive crushing pressures and low temperatures with specialized physiological traits.
Biodiversity hotspots
Deep-sea coral reefs and hydrothermal vents host ecosystems teeming with life, often compared to rainforests in their richness.

Why It Matters:

Marine biology in the deep ocean helps uncover potential medical compounds, evolutionary insights, and biodiversity conservation opportunities.

Physics of the Deep Ocean: Understanding Physical Systems
The physical processes of the deep ocean shape its environment and affect global systems
Ocean currents
Deep-sea currents regulate climate by redistributing heat and nutrients.
Pressure and sound
Studying how sound travels in high-pressure environments helps with navigation and marine research.
Light and temperature
Understanding how these factors change with depth is essential for mapping habitats.

Why It Matters:

Understanding physical systems is critical for climate predictions, resource management, and navigation technologies.

Chemistry: Unlocking Ocean Processes
Chemical processes in the deep ocean drive life and impact the planet’s systems
Hydrothermal vents
These vents release chemicals that support ecosystems through chemosynthesis.
Carbon storage
The deep ocean acts as a significant carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change.
Nutrient cycling
Examining how nutrients move through ocean systems supports global ecosystems.

Why It Matters:

Deep ocean chemistry provides insights into global climate regulation and the potential for resource utilization.

Geology: Mapping the Ocean Floor
The geological features of the deep ocean reveal its history and shape its ecosystems:
Seafloor mapping
Advanced technologies uncover underwater mountains, trenches, and canyons.
Tectonic activity
Studying volcanic activity and plate movements explains the formation of features like seamounts.
Marine sediments
Analysis of sediments provides records of past climates and oceanic events.

Why It Matters:

Geological studies help us understand Earth’s history, predict geological hazards, and explore potential resources.

Deep Ocean Exploration Technology

Cutting-edge technology helps overcome the deep ocean’s extreme conditions and uncover its secrets. Engineering and robotics are making groundbreaking discoveries possible:

Deep Ocean Exploration Technology

Cutting-edge technology helps overcome the deep ocean’s extreme conditions and uncover its secrets. Engineering and robotics are making groundbreaking discoveries possible:

Manned Submersibles

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Human-Operated Vehicles (HOVs) are submersibles that allow researchers to explore the deep ocean firsthand. They are full life support systems.
Most of them are limited to the upper 1000m and only a few can operate down to 6000m depths. Very few have reached the deepest points of the ocean at 11,000 meters depths

Robotic Submersibles

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Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are connected to a ship by a cable and can be equipped with cameras, sensors, and remote-controlled robotic arms for collecting samples and manipulating instruments.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are underwater drones that can execute complex missions independently and carry a range of sensors. They can operate in swarms and travel large distances.

Advanced Sensors

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Devices measuring environmental parameters digitally such as temperature, pressure, salinity dissolved oxygen, light and sounds.
Cameras are capable of capturing high-definition images in complete darkness enhance visualization.

Deep Ocean Explorers

Deep ocean explorers are scientists, engineers, and innovators who venture into one of Earth’s most mysterious frontiers. They use advanced tools and technologies to study the depths, uncovering new species, mapping unknown terrains, and tackling critical environmental challenges.

Notable explorers

Dr. Sylvia Earle

Known as “Her Deepness,” she has led over 100 expeditions and is a global advocate for ocean conservation.

Victor Vescovo

An adventurer and businessman who has dived to the deepest points in all five oceans.

Dr. Carlos M. Duarte

A globally renowned oceanographer based in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Duarte leads groundbreaking research on ocean sustainability and marine ecosystems. His work is critical for understanding the impact of climate change on marine life

Dr. Raquel Peixoto

A microbiologist focused on coral reef conservation, Dr. Peixoto explores how microbial communities can help protect marine ecosystems under threat from climate change.

How You Can Be Inspired:
Learn about their stories, challenges, and achievements to understand the critical role they play in preserving our oceans.