Our planet is mostly made up of water so it makes sense that there are wonders in this watery world that we haven’t explored yet. One such watery wonder is the Salas y Gomez and Nazca Ridges. They are two underwater mountain ranges in the North American ocean. An international team of scientists recently revealed that they ended up finding around 160 aquatic species while exploring the Salas y Gomez mountain range.
Scientists Discover An Ocean Mountain Range Underwater
Over 100 New Species Discovered Near Chile. Expedition, lead by marine biologist Javier Sellanes, focused on the Nazca & Salas y Gómez Ridges, an underwater mountain range stretching abt 1,800 miles. Discoveries ranged from sponges to coral, crustaceans, & mysterious mollusks.🧐 pic.twitter.com/V2QpQIaGWt
— Sumner (@renmusb1) February 25, 2024
According to an article which was recently published by The Indian Express or the IE, this discovery took place near the Easter Islands. The ridge consists of more than 110 seamounts which support the migration of a number of marine animals.
These include whales, tuna, sharks, sea turtles and much more. During this particular expedition, scientists mapped around 78,000 square metres. The Salas y Gomez ridge stretches across a total of 2,900 kilometres.
There are still around six seamounts that haven’t been documented in hydrographic surveys as per the IE article. This location is one of the many which are globally being considered for being designated as protected. Once the UN Treaty on the matter is ratified, concrete steps can be taken to safeguard the area.
160 Aquatic Species Found Of Which 50 Were Undiscovered
The Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are an underwater mountain range with 110 volcanic peaks, filled with rare and spectacular wildlife.
Protecting this hidden wonder of the natural world relies on a U.N. #HighSeas Treaty.https://t.co/81Xu6Bhcjj pic.twitter.com/00zAYDPLzC
— Pew Environment (@pewenvironment) December 30, 2021
The expedition went on for a total of 40 days. During the expedition, the team of scientists found that this underwater mountain range supported more than 160 aquatic species. Out of these, at least 50 were species that had never been discovered before.
These include squids, fish, corals, molluscs, glass sponges, and more! They also ended up discovering a species called “Leptoseris.” This species is a coral and it turned out to be the deepest-known photosynthesis-dependent animal in the world.
This means that the coral depends on sunlight which is scarce in deep waters.
Do you find the mysterious world of the ocean alluring? Would you explore these underwater mountains if given the chance? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @renmusb1/X (Formerly, Twitter)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.