Why we could only explore 5% of the oceans, when we could even go to Mars?
November 23, 2023
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What kind of creatures live in the depths of the oceans, what mysterious areas are unexplored, and perhaps most importantly, what kind of creatures live in this underwater
What kind of creatures live in the depths of the oceans, what mysterious areas are unexplored, and perhaps most importantly, what kind of creatures live in this underwater world? What kind of ecosystem is there? The answers to these questions lie in the depths of undiscovered oceans, and this world full of unknowns opens the doors to an intriguing adventure.
While some scientific research is being conducted in space and new discoveries are being announced every day, why haven’t the oceans benefited from these researches? only 5% we know?
Unknown world: ocean
The ocean, the largest habitable area on our planet, is It covers about 70%. Imagine the size of the ocean, which is home to more life than anywhere else on earth.
According to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, there are approximately 332 million cubic kilometers of water there is. The area alone is approximately 360 million square kilometers The average depth is 3,682 meters. Even though our perception of large numbers is not yet very developed, you can understand these numbers better if you visualize the world map.
The number we give for the depth is the average itself. However, there is one place where this figure is about three times higher. We all know that Mariana Trench. This well, considered the deepest place in the ocean, 10 thousand 935 meters depth It is located in the Pacific Ocean.
Attempts have been made to discover the ocean for centuries.
HMS Challenger
We shared some ocean data so we could better understand the extent of unexplored places. Because you are like a drop in the ocean discovered areas, It has been worked on for centuries and it came into being.
The mysterious part of the ocean that has fascinated scientists and explorers for centuries is the name of the sea that sailed into the Mediterranean around 1200 BC. of the Phoenicians, who traveled to North America in the 11th century to the Vikings Until now, many civilizations have tried to unravel the mystery of the ocean.
in the 15th century Travels of Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan ushered in the modern era of ocean exploration. in the 19th century Findings of the HMS Challenger Expedition It revolutionized the understanding of the ocean.
Today, ocean research and exploration continues NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), scientific associations and is carried out by many organizations, including private companies.
Although humans have been around for many years, we are only at the surface level in underwater research. Although different figures can be seen in many places, if we look at the average, the ocean About 20% of it has been mapped, We have physically seen and visited only 5% of them.
What advanced technologies are used to explore oceans?
Uncrewed rover used for mapping the ocean
The data collected over centuries has not progressed much. To increase this rate even further, Many systems are used.
Sonar systems are the most fundamental technology used in ocean research. To create images of objects on the seabed and water column Sonar systems that use sound waves, It reveals 3D maps in detail with its multi-beam structures. However, the use of this system is under debate because sound waves can harm marine animals.
Autonomous underwater vehicles
Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are vehicles that are controlled from the surface. underwater robots. These robots; It is equipped with cameras, sensors and manipulator arms that explore and interact with the environment. ROV devices, It is also used in the oil and gas industry to inspect offshore infrastructure.
Used in ocean exploration and military operations. submarines It goes to depths that ROVs cannot reach. Long-distance submarines are large and complex vehicles that remain submerged for long periods of time.
Why can’t we explore all the oceans?
The ocean is also one of the most vulnerable and least understood places in the universe. It is a body of water that covers most of the Earth’s surface. There are a few reasons why a small portion of the deepest parts of the terrifying ocean, home to species that have adapted to life in a cruel ecosystem, has been discovered and the rest we have no idea.
The “deep sea” or “deep sea” of the oceaninner spacePart of it (103 million square kilometers) is permanently dark. sunlight zone, It melts after about 200 meters below the surface, which complicates imaging.
Although to explore the bottomless pit Although there are technologies like ROV and submarine Because there are so many places to see, technology also allows exploration to some extent.
When the already cold water is added to the rapid melting of glaciers and Arctic ice due to climate change, coldness of water It becomes one of the substances that hinder discovery.
One of the biggest problems with not exploring the entire ocean is… overwhelming amount of pressure. In some ways, sending people into space is easier than sending them to the bottom of the ocean. Because the intense pressure in the ocean makes it an extremely difficult environment to explore.
When you dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, which is about 11 kilometers deep, a thousand times more pressure is formed. This is equal to the weight of 50 jumbo jets pressing down on the body.
Another obstacle to ocean exploration is the lack of expeditions. Quite expensive are. Although research is needed to gather more information, many institutions are reluctant to fund projects that involve the unknown.
Why is exploring the ocean so important?
The ocean is home to a wide variety of marine life, and many of these species have yet to be discovered. In addition to discovering new and unique species adapted to the harsh conditions of the deep sea evolution of species And ocean research is important to understand how they adapt to their environment.
Ocean exploration is also used to find shipwrecks. Who knows how many have been around for centuries? shipwreck there is? The discovery of these shipwrecks is culturally significant enough to shed light on past civilizations and the world’s maritime history.
Even if the ocean, a vast storehouse of pollutants, were completely discovered, ocean pollution its magnitude will also be understood and the planet’s ecosystem will be protected accordingly.
The increasing world population and increasing demand for resources are also linked to the exploration of the oceans. Oceans; oil, gas and minerals It contains vast amounts of resources, including: Identifying these resources provides valuable information in terms of the resources’ potential and their sustainability.
Knowing the exact shape of the seabed; climate models, tsunami forecast and public safety, sediment transport, cable and pipe routing It is important to understand some basic principles such as.
Sources: Oceana, Ocean Exploration, Seabed 2030, International Hydrographic Organization, National Geographic
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Ashley Johnson is a science writer for “Div Bracket”. With a background in the natural sciences and a passion for exploring the mysteries of the universe, she provides in-depth coverage of the latest scientific developments.