Over 100 newly discovered species and a massive underwater mountain are emerging trends

Scientists exploring the waters off the coast of Chile have made a remarkable discovery of a huge underwater mountain that is home to more than 100 never-before-seen species. This underwater mountain, known as the Salas y Gomez Ridge, is an 1,800-mile-long chain comprising more than 200 seamounts stretching from offshore Chile to Easter Island.

Using advanced technology, the scientists were able to explore depths of 4,500 meters and map a total of 20,377 square miles of the seafloor. This exploration led to the identification of four new seamounts, each with its own distinct ecosystem. The tallest of these seamounts, named Solito by the team, stands at an impressive 3,530 meters tall.

From deep-sea corals to squat lobsters, the experts from the Schmidt Ocean Institute were amazed by the diverse range of species they encountered on this expedition. Dr. Javier Sellanes, who led the team, expressed his astonishment at the number of new species they discovered, particularly among sponges.

The scientists used an underwater robot to capture images of these unique creatures, including a rarely-seen whiplash squid and a spiraling coral. This groundbreaking exploration highlights the vast undiscovered diversity that exists beneath the Earth’s oceans and the importance of continued research and exploration in these remote and unexplored areas.