Study Reveals Less Than 0.001% of Deep Seafloor Explored, Sparking Concerns Over Seabed Mining
A new study shows that humans have explored less than 0.001% of the deep seafloor, highlighting the need for caution in seabed mining practices.
There is a precious world down there to study and protect, and that's hard to do if we don't know anything about it.
Just 0.001 Percent Of The Deep Ocean Has Been Directly Observed
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As a result, scientists really haven't seen a very representative sample of what's going on around the globe.
Humans still haven't seen 99.999% of the deep seafloor
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The move has faced international condemnation, particularly from experts who say that more research needs to be done into the impacts the practice might have on deep sea ecosystems, the majority of which remain unexplored.
More than 99% of the Deep Sea Still Remains a Mystery
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Summary
A recent study published in Science Advances reveals that humanity has observed less than 0.001% of the deep seafloor, equivalent to an area the size of Rhode Island. The study's lead author, Katy Croff Bell, emphasizes the under-exploration of deep-sea ecosystems, which play a crucial role in climate regulation by absorbing significant amounts of heat and carbon dioxide. With the Trump Administration's recent push for seabed mining leading to widespread concerns, experts argue that more research on deep-sea habitats is essential before proceeding with potentially damaging extraction activities.
Perspectives
Human exploration of the deep sea has only covered 0.001% of the ocean floor, revealing a vast unknown ecosystem critical for climate and life on Earth.
The deep sea is integral to global processes, including oxygen production and carbon absorption, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research and mapping.
The call for cautious approaches to seabed mining highlights the need for further studies to understand the potential irreversible environmental impacts.