An intrepid underwater robot , under the statement of the Australian Antarctic Division ( AAD ) , has cope to pilfer beneath Antarctica to have a nozzle around at the life history down there . In stark dividing line to the blindingly ashen surface world , the seafloor here is anexplosion of color , filled with vivacious sponges , worm , algae and arachnid - esque starfish .
“ When you imagine of the Antarctic coastal marine environment , the iconic metal money such as penguin , cachet , and whale usually steal the show , ” AAD life scientist Glenn Johnstone say in astatement .
“ This footage reveal a habitat that is productive , colored , active and full of a all-inclusive variety of biodiversity , include parasite , sea spider , urchins , ocean cucumbers and ocean champion . ”
The Remotely Operated Vehicle ( ROV ) managed to get down beneath East Antarctica by slipping through a drilled golf hole at the surface of the sea ice .
The maritime ecosystem here bathes in body of water that are often -1.5 ° C ( 29.3 ° atomic number 9 ) all year round , and they are often screen from the Sun by 1.5 meter ( about 5 feet ) of ocean ice for 10 calendar month in a rowing . This ice , apart from the occasional destructive crisphead lettuce , protects marine sprightliness from powerful storm – so it ’s a deep shame that it ’s beginning to fade away thanks to climate change .
What lies beneath . AusAntarcticvia YouTube
Warming ocean are n’t the only threat tolife under the sea , however . The increased front of carbon dioxide within the weewee increases its sour . In many parts of the hydrosphere , particularly for those that rely on carboniferous shell to protect them , this is proving devastating .
The oceans are actually the world ’s foremostcarbon sinkhole , and this is in fact one of the reasons why the AAD junket is taking place .
“ Carbon dioxide is more soluble in frigid water and icy water are acetify at twice the rate of tropic or temperate regions , ” project leader Johnny Stark added . “ So we expect these ecosystems to be among the first impacted from ocean acidification . ”
So take a effective look at this rather magnificent picture of Antarctica ’s marine life , noblewoman and gentlemen . If we do n’t cut down our greenhouse gas emissions , the prospect in a few decades time is likely to be far more barren andlifeless .
