Scientists have recently unveiled a startling statistic about the deep ocean: only 0.001% of its vast expanse has been explored by humans. This revelation, published in a study in the journal Science Advances, highlights the immense mystery that still shrouds the ocean floor, which covers about two-thirds of our planet’s surface.

Key Takeaways

• Only 0.001% of the deep ocean floor has been explored, equivalent to the size of Rhode Island.
• The deep ocean is crucial for carbon storage and may host unknown species with potential medical value.
• Most exploration has occurred in a limited number of locations, primarily near coastlines.
• A call for increased global efforts to explore and understand the deep ocean is emphasized.

The Depths of the Ocean

The deep ocean, defined as the area below 656 feet (200 meters), remains largely uncharted territory. Despite its significance in regulating the Earth’s climate and supporting diverse ecosystems, the exploration of this region has been minimal. The study analyzed 43,681 records of deep-sea dives, revealing that the total area visually explored is only between 822 and 1,476 square miles (2,129 to 3,823 square kilometers).

Exploration Methods

The researchers employed two primary methods to estimate the explored area:

1. Dive Path Method: Tracking the paths of vehicles used during dives.
2. Time-Based Method: Estimating coverage based on the duration spent at the ocean floor.

These methods indicate that since 1958, human exploration has only scratched the surface of the deep ocean, with estimates suggesting that between 0.0006% and 0.001% of the seafloor has been observed.

Concentration of Exploration

The study found that exploration efforts have been heavily concentrated in specific regions:

• 65% of observations occurred within 200 nautical miles of the coasts of the U.S., Japan, or New Zealand.
• 97% of recorded dives were conducted by just five countries: the U.S., Japan, New Zealand, France, and Germany.

This geographical bias limits our understanding of the deep ocean’s ecosystems, as many areas, particularly abyssal plains and seamounts, remain largely unexplored.

The Need for Broader Exploration

As climate change and resource exploitation pose increasing threats to the deep ocean, the limited exploration becomes a pressing issue for both science and policy. Katy Croff Bell, the study’s lead author, emphasizes the necessity of understanding deep ocean ecosystems to make informed decisions regarding conservation and resource management.

The researchers advocate for a more global approach to deep-sea exploration, involving scientists and local communities to enhance our knowledge of this critical environment. Ian Miller from the National Geographic Society echoes this sentiment, stating that a better understanding of the ocean is essential for its conservation.

Conclusion

The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call regarding the vast unknowns of our planet’s largest ecosystem. With only a minuscule fraction of the deep ocean explored, the potential for discovery remains immense. As we face environmental challenges, prioritizing deep-sea exploration could unlock vital insights into the health of our oceans and the future of our planet.

Sources

• Only 0.001% of deep ocean has ever been explored by humans — an area equal to the size of Rhode Island, Live Science.