Scientists Find Pristine Ecosystems on High-Seas Seamounts

Deep-sea coral reefs, sponge gardens, and the deepest photosynthesizing coral in the world found along the Salas y Gómez Ridge Video and photos are available here ANTOFAGASTA, Chile –  An international team of scientists observed 160 species on the Salas y Gómez Ridge that had not yet been known to live in the region and … Continued

Scientists Confirm Underwater Mountains Harbor Abundant Life Off Chile’s Coast

An international team explores vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems and sees more than 100 species never-before observed by scientists. Video and photos available here. VALPARAISO, Chile – An international group of scientists, led by Dr. Javier Sellanes of the Universidad Católica del Norte, may have discovered more than 100 new species living on seamounts off the coast … Continued

Four New Seamounts Discovered in the High Seas

Tallest of underwater features discovered by crew of research vessel Falkor (too) stands over 1.5 miles high Video and photos available here. VALPARAISO, Chile – The crew of Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) discovered four underwater mountains — the tallest of which is over 1.5 miles high — on a January transit from … Continued

Guaranteed Discovery | Video Update

In the past decade, Chile has actively promoted the establishment of expansive marine protected areas, including the Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park, the Juan Fernández Sea Protected Area, and the Juan Fernández Marine Park. These areas are among the largest marine protected zones globally. The biodiversity in these regions exhibits a remarkable level of endemism, with around … Continued

 Scientists Discover Four New Species of Deep-Sea Octopus

Unexpected octopus diversity found in Costa Rica’s deep sea, along with a new deep-sea skate nursery. Video and photos available here. Puntarenas, Costa Rica – Scientists aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too) have discovered at least four new deep-sea octopus species in a 100-square-mile-sized area off Costa Rica.  The international science team discovered the … Continued

 Scientists Locate New Hydrothermal Vent Field Using State-of-the-Art Mapping Technology

Scientists utilize high-resolution mapping technologies to find new hydrothermal vents inside the Galápagos Marine Reserve, as well as 15 species not previously known to live within the region. Video and photos available here. PUERTO AYORA,  Ecuador– An international research team aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too), have discovered a new high-temperature hydrothermal vent … Continued

Massive New Seamount Discovered in International Waters Off Guatemala

Underwater mapping leads to discovery of seamount two times taller than Burj Khalifa Images available here Los Angeles, CA – Seafloor mapping during a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition has revealed an underwater mountain twice as high as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in international waters off Guatemala. The 1,600-meter (5,249-foot) seamount covers 14 … Continued

At the Frontier of Science | Video Update

What does it take to truly see the seafloor? Turns out, you must listen! Researchers on R/V Falkor (too) are testing a sonar system new to scientific seafloor mapping: Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Sonar (InSAS). Combining bathymetric data with acoustic imagery allows scientists to paint an incredibly detailed picture of the seafloor using sound beams. InSAS … Continued

Inner Space Explorer (ft Verena Tunnicliffe) | Science Story

From a delicate box of seashells gifted by her mother, to otherworldly ecosystems at deep-sea hydrothermal vents, Marine Biologist Verena Tunnicliffe has spent more than four decades studying our Ocean. Driven by a passion to understand the nature and functions of novel communities, she shares her experiences working on interdisciplinary teams and how diverse voices … Continued