Humanity has ventured into space for a long time, but why is the deep ocean still a mystery to mankind?

What is there in the deep ocean? Humans have even ventured into space for a long time, so why does the deep sea on Earth still hold so many mysteries for humanity?

The average depth of the global ocean is 3,700 meters. So, what lies beneath the deep sea? What kind of enigmatic world is it?

According to modern scientists, our understanding of the deep sea in the previous century was even less than our knowledge of the Solar System! However, with the advent of manned and unmanned deep-sea submersibles, humans have been able to explore a portion of the depths beneath the ocean floor.

Currently, only a few countries in the world have independently developed manned deep-sea submersibles capable of diving to depths of 10,000 meters, such as China and the United States.

The pressure in the deep sea is hundreds of times higher than the atmospheric pressure on the surface. To withstand such high pressure, deep-sea submersibles must have extremely strong pressure resistance. If it is a manned deep-sea submersible, it also needs to ensure the safety and comfort of the people inside.

The area of the deep sea explored by humans currently represents only a very small portion of the total ocean area. The average depth of the global ocean is about 3,700 meters, while the ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface. Therefore, there are still many hidden secrets in the depths of the ocean that may require a lot of time to discover.

The term “deep sea” is used to refer to the deepest parts of the ocean, typically the areas where the ocean floor is deeper than 200 meters. Due to the unique environment of the deep sea, including light, pressure, temperature, and other factors, the marine life and landscape in the deep sea are completely different from what we usually encounter on land and in shallow waters.

Here are the main environmental and ecological characteristics of the deep sea:

Deep-sea environment: The water temperature and pressure in the deep sea are extremely high, reaching hundreds of atmospheres. The light is dim and elusive, and there are geological phenomena such as deep-sea cold currents, underwater volcanoes, and hydrothermal vents.

Deep-sea fish: Deep-sea fish are abundant and diverse, with many species having unique and striking appearances. They often have enlarged mouths and reduced eye function. Many deep-sea fish emit light, either to attract prey or to find mates. Compared to fish in shallow waters, deep-sea fish have fewer bones and muscles, with a higher proportion of cartilage in their skeletal structure.

Deep-sea abyssal fauna: Deep-sea abyssal fauna exhibit a variety of forms. Some are visually stunning, while others appear peculiar. These deep-sea organisms play an important role in the deep-sea ecosystem.

Deep-sea mud: The organic matter in deep-sea mud is unique because the low temperature and high pressure cause a significant amount of marine organic matter to gradually settle at the ocean floor.

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents: Deep-sea hydrothermal vents refer to organisms living near the hot water vents in the deep sea. The temperature at the center of these hydrothermal vents can reach several hundred degrees Celsius. It is hard to imagine that a large number of bacteria thrive in such harsh environments. Some of these bacteria consume sulfides emitted from the hydrothermal vents, deriving energy from them.

Deep-sea topography: The topography of the deep-sea floor is often complex and rugged, with features such as deep-sea trenches, underwater cliffs, and canyons.

Why is the deep sea still a mystery to humanity?

Exploring the deep sea is not an easy task, requiring various skills, equipment, and specialized knowledge. There are several main reasons why humans find it difficult to access the mysteries beneath the ocean floor, including the following three reasons:

First, the deep sea is an extremely harsh environment with very low temperatures, high pressures, and a lack of light. These factors make it challenging for humans to be safe in this environment without the assistance of protective and respiratory support equipment. Moreover, the deep sea contains toxic gases and hazardous radioactive substances that are harmful to human health.

Second, the deep sea is a vast and complex environment with diverse terrains, geology, and organisms. To explore the deep sea, scientists have to utilize various techniques and technologies, such as submarines, remote sensing devices, unmanned vehicles, or underwater robots. However, these tools still have limitations in terms of mobility, signal transmission, and are only capable of withstanding pressures at certain depths.

Third, the deep sea is a relatively unexplored and poorly understood environment, harboring many mysteries and challenges. According to estimates, only about 5% of the ocean floor has been explored and accurately mapped. Nearly two-thirds of the life forms residing in the depths of the ocean remain unidentified. Many phenomena and natural processes occurring in the deep sea are still not clearly explained.

The reasons mentioned above explain why humans rarely explore the deep sea. However, this does not mean that humans are not interested in or overlook the values and potential of the deep sea. On the contrary, the deep sea is a valuable resource, a focal point for tourism and education, and an important factor in climate regulation and sustaining life on Earth. Therefore, exploring the deep sea is a necessary and meaningful task for humanity in the future.

According to: Earthlymission; Nature; NASA