More than a hundred previously unknown species and some never-before-seen underwater mountains have been found in the depths of the sea.
Between January 8 and February 11, experts conducted research on the sea floor near the coast of Chile, during which they mapped an area of about 53,000 square kilometers, according to reports. Live sciences Based on 24. He.
During the expedition, they also took photos and videos showing many interesting objects, including a red sea frog with hand-like fins, a strange elongated sea urchin, and a rare whip squid.
Using an underwater robot, the researchers observed more than a hundred species believed to be new to science, including sponges, sea urchins, corals, crabs and molluscs.
Samples of animals were also taken, which will then be studied to determine whether they are indeed previously unknown marine creatures. This process can take years.
“We always expect to encounter new species in such remote, poorly planned parts of the ocean, but it is very surprising that we have encountered so many,” said Javier Silanes, the expedition's leader.
In addition to the new species, scientists also found previously unknown underwater mountains, the highest of which reaches 3,530 metres. This formation was named Solito, which means alone in Spanish.
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(Opening image: Schmidt Ocean-Youtube screenshot)