According to a new peer-reviewed study published in Science Advances, scientists have explored just 0.001% of the deep ocean floor—everything below 200 meters (656 feet)—despite it making up nearly two-thirds of Earth’s surface. The area mapped is about the size of Rhode Island.
“So much of our ocean remains a mystery,” said Ian Miller of the National Geographic Society, which co-funded the research. Though not a co-author, Miller emphasized the importance of this revelation in addressing climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable ocean development.
Why This Matters
- Climate Solutions: Deep-sea sediments can store vast amounts of carbon.
- New Species: Unmapped areas may hold thousands of unknown organisms.
- Resource Management: Understanding the ocean floor is vital for sustainable marine policy.
Key Facts
- Depth Covered: Below 200 meters (656 feet)
- Explored Area: 0.001% – roughly equivalent to Rhode Island
- Ocean Coverage: Over 70% of Earth's surface is ocean, much of it deep sea
Why the Deep Sea Is Still a Frontier
High costs, limited technology, and extreme pressure make deep-sea research one of science’s final frontiers. Modern mapping methods and AI-powered robotics are helping close the gap, but it could take decades to fully understand our underwater world.
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