Over 100 Alien-Looking Species Were Just Discovered in the South Pacific
Marine researchers on a recent expedition in the southeast Pacific discovered over 100 new species and multiple unidentified seamounts off Chile's coast. Led by Dr. Javier Sellanes, the team found deep-sea corals, glass sponges, sea urchins, and more across Nazca and Salas y Gomez Ridge. Each seamount showcased unique ecosystems with vulnerable deep-sea coral reefs and sponge gardens thriving within them. Using advanced underwater technology, researchers mapped over 52,000 square kilometers of seafloor and uncovered four previously unknown seamounts.