After an expedition by a vehicle controlled remotely by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), scientists have been puzzling over a series of holes in the ocean floor. The holes are located near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, nearly 1.6 miles beneath the ocean surface. The question of how they were made continues to stump scientists.
The holes, which are five to six feet deep and evenly spaced, were spotted by the crew of the Okeanos Explorer. However, this is not the first time such holes have been spotted in the same area. In 2004, two marine scientists also saw the holes. They reportedly look like human handiwork, but piles of sediment suggest that some other organism excavated them. The vehicle that spotted them was not equipped to explore the holes further.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a vastly under-explored area of seafloor. Thus, scientists are aiming to examine the region further as a part of the Voyage to the Ridge 2022 expedition. This project aims to study the region’s hydrothermal vents and coral reef habitats, among other objectives.
According to NOAA, “Hydrothermal vents may form where magma provides heat as it rises to the seafloor. These vents are known to support diverse chemosynthetic communities. However, little is known about life at these sites”
NOAA turned to social media to find theories about the holes. The public speculated that the holes could have been made by escaping gas, deep sea creatures, or even aliens. Ultimately, the discovery highlights the fact that there are still many things we do not know about the ocean.
The holes, which are five to six feet deep and evenly spaced, were spotted by the crew of the Okeanos Explorer. However, this is not the first time such holes have been spotted in the same area. In 2004, two marine scientists also saw the holes. They reportedly look like human handiwork, but piles of sediment suggest that some other organism excavated them. The vehicle that spotted them was not equipped to explore the holes further.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a vastly under-explored area of seafloor. Thus, scientists are aiming to examine the region further as a part of the Voyage to the Ridge 2022 expedition. This project aims to study the region’s hydrothermal vents and coral reef habitats, among other objectives.
According to NOAA, “Hydrothermal vents may form where magma provides heat as it rises to the seafloor. These vents are known to support diverse chemosynthetic communities. However, little is known about life at these sites”
NOAA turned to social media to find theories about the holes. The public speculated that the holes could have been made by escaping gas, deep sea creatures, or even aliens. Ultimately, the discovery highlights the fact that there are still many things we do not know about the ocean.
