Scientists discover a deep whale graveyard that is teeming with life
AP News • • science
Key Points:
- Scientists have discovered a deep-sea whale graveyard in the southeastern Indian Ocean, located up to 23,000 feet below the surface, making it the deepest and oldest known site of its kind, with bones dating back 5.3 million years.
- The site supports diverse marine life, including jellyfish, tubeworms, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, squat lobsters, and saltwater clams, many of which may be previously undocumented species.
- Whale carcasses create unique ecosystems by providing nutrients and habitat, with dense bones preserved by mineral coatings and deep ocean conditions that protect them from degradation.
- Researchers suggest whales may have died naturally or from deep-sea diving stress, with the area's V-shaped topography possibly funneling remains to this location.
- Studying these graveyards helps scientists understand how life adapts to extreme deep-ocean conditions such as high pressure, low light, and limited oxygen.