Charting the Seafloor: Unlocking the Secrets of the Deep with the Help of Elephant Seals
Unveiling the Hidden Depths of the Ocean
For centuries, humans have sailed the vast expanses of the world’s oceans, but the mysteries of the deep remain largely unexplored. Surprisingly, only a mere quarter of the seafloor has been accurately mapped, leaving much of it shrouded in mystery. Most existing maps provide only approximate depths, often failing to capture entire underwater mountains and canyons that lie beneath the surface.
However, a team of researchers has found an unlikely ally in their quest to uncover the secrets of the seafloor: Elephant Seals and Weddell Seals. These deep-diving experts have been equipped with trackers around Antarctica, allowing scientists to gather valuable data on ocean temperature and salinity. In a groundbreaking new study, researchers compared the seals’ dive data with existing seafloor maps and made a startling discovery.
Surprising Findings
By analyzing the location and depth data from the seals’ dives, the researchers identified discrepancies between the seals’ actual dive depths and the estimates provided by the maps. In the waters of eastern Antarctica’s Vincennes Bay, the seals led the scientists to a hidden underwater canyon that plunged to depths of over a mile. To confirm their findings, an Australian research ship called the RSV Nuyina used sonar to measure the exact depth of the canyon. In honor of the seals’ contribution, the researchers have proposed naming their discovery the Mirounga-Nuyina Canyon, paying tribute to both the ship and the Elephant Seals, belonging to the genus Mirounga.
“The seals discovered the canyon, and the ship confirmed it,” says Clive McMahon, a researcher at the Integrated Marine Observing System in Australia and co-author of the study published in Communications Earth & Environment.
The Limitations and Future Possibilities
While the seals’ contributions have been invaluable, it’s important to note that they cannot map the entire ocean floor. The trackers used in the study could only pinpoint a seal’s location within a range of about 1.5 miles, providing useful but not high-resolution data. Additionally, the seals’ dives may not always reach the ocean floor, limiting their ability to reveal shallower areas. McMahon suggests that scientists could enhance the data by utilizing more precise GPS trackers and analyzing the seals’ diving patterns to determine whether they have reached the seafloor or simply stopped descending.
The Significance of the Seals’ Discoveries
Despite these limitations, the current seal-dive data still holds immense value. According to Anna Wåhlin, an oceanographer at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, who was not involved in the study, the deep ocean surrounding Antarctica is warmer than the frigid surface waters. Seafloor canyons play a crucial role in allowing this warmer water to flow towards the ice along the continent’s coast. Understanding the location and depth of these canyons is vital for predicting how Antarctica’s ice will melt.
Unleashing the Potential of Deep-Diving Animals
Thanks to the remarkable contributions of Elephant Seals and Weddell Seals, scientists are gaining unprecedented insights into the hidden world beneath the waves. By harnessing the natural abilities of these deep-diving animals, researchers are charting new territories and unraveling the secrets of the seafloor. With further advancements in technology and data analysis, the day may come when the depths of the ocean are no longer a mystery, but a realm of knowledge waiting to be explored.
Photo: Freepik.com
