Thriving Deep-Sea Ecosystems Discovered in Antarctica After Iceberg Detaches from George VI Ice Shelf | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Thriving Deep-Sea Ecosystems Discovered in Antarctica After Iceberg Detaches from George VI Ice Shelf

Posted 24 Mar 2025

2 min read

The discovery came from Challenger 150 initiative which is endorsed by UNESCO/ Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) as part of the Ocean Decade Action (2021-2030).

Key Findings

  • Flourishing Ecosystems: At depths of up to 1,300 meters (Mesopelagic Zone), ecosystems were thriving, with large corals and sponges as well as supporting diverse animal. E.g., icefish & giant sea spiders.
  • These ecosystems had been isolated under 150-meter-thick ice for centuries, completely cut off from surface nutrients, essential for deep-sea life.
  • New Species Discovered: Giant-sea spiders, Octopi, giant phantom jellyfish (can grow up to 1 meter wide), Vase-shaped sponge (possibly hundreds of years old).

About Deep-Sea Ecosystem

  • Definition: Defined as the sea and seabed below 200m, the aphotic zone (where light fades) makes up 90% of Earth's marine environment, representing the planet's largest biome.
  • Unique Deep-Sea Habitat and Biodiversity:
    • Abyssal Plains: Dark and muddy seafloor; Species rely on marine snow for sustenance. E.g., Sea cucumbers.
      • Marine Snow: Consists of organic matter drifting down from ocean surface; serve as food & aid carbon sequestration.
    • Hydrothermal Vents: Hot, mineral-rich towers; Species rely on chemosynthetic bacteria for sustenance. E.g., Tubeworms and Yeti crabs
    • Whale Falls: As whale carcass sinks, it creates a temporary ecosystem, supporting scavengers. E.g. Hagfish.
  • Tags :
  • Deep-Sea Ecosystem
  • Mesopelagic
  • Whale Falls
  • Marine Snow
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