Unveiling Hidden Worlds: Scientists Discover Coral Gardens and Volcanic Vents in the Southern Ocean\’s Icy Depths

Mission Distance

Because of its far‑off position, the crew that was nearest to the spacecraft were often located on the International Space Station.

Deep‑Sea Odyssey to the South Sandwich Islands Reveals Untold Marine Treasures

Unprecedented Visual Records

The international research crew aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s vessel Falkor returned from a 35‑day voyage with a vivid collection of images documenting marine worlds that have never before been captured by human eyes.

Coral Gardens and Hydrothermal Vents

Along the island chain and its surrounding trenches, divers discovered:

• Thriving coral gardens that stretch across kilometer‑wide stretches of seabed.
• Dynamic hydrothermal vent systems emitting mineral‑rich plumes that support unique ecosystems.
• Complex bioluminescent communities unseen outside these deep‑sea environments.

Potential New Species

The expedition captured footage of organisms that exhibit characteristics not attributed to any known classifications, suggesting the presence of:

• Possible novel cephalopods similar yet distinct from the famed colossal squid first filmed by the team last month.
• Unidentified crustacean and mollusk species, hinting at rich biodiversity within the Southern Ocean’s deepest trenches.

Historical Highlights & “Magic Moments”

Other noteworthy events that punctuated the journey include:

• The unprecedented colossal squid footage that captured global attention.
• A Chicago‑sized iceberg breakup from an Antarctic ice shelf in January, offering a rare seafloor exploration opportunity.
• A series of unexpected encounters with rare, deep‑sea fauna, each adding valuable insight into oceanic ecosystems.

Concluding Reflections

The haul from this expedition not only expands our scientific knowledge but also underscores the South Sandwich Islands’ status as one of the planet’s most biodiverse marine regions.

A Deep-Sea Exploration Highlights the Sea Cucumber at 649 m

Record Depth and Temperature

During a recent expedition to Saunders East, researchers recorded a sea cucumber living at an impressive 649 metres below sea level, where the surrounding waters were measured at a warm +0.51 °C.

The Role of Sea Cucumbers in Marine Ecosystems

• These organisms act as natural recyclers, breaking down detritus and returning vital nutrients to the benthic environment.
• By maintaining sediment health, they support diverse marine life and overall ocean resilience.

Insights from the Expedition

Dr. Michelle Taylor, the lead scientist for the Ocean Census project, reflected on the 35-day voyage: “The voyage felt like a science-filled rollercoaster. The discoveries made will influence management decisions for years to come.”

Ocean Census Initiative

The expedition was part of the Ocean Census, the largest global effort to accelerate the discovery of marine species. It is supported by organizations such as the Nippon Foundation – Nekton Ocean Census and the Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Capturing the Journey

Remarkable photographs taken aboard the research vessel serve as a visual record of the expedition’s scientific highlights.

Connecting the Past and Present: Milky Seas

A separate section of the study delved into long-standing maritime folklore. Over 400 years of sailor narratives are now shedding new light on the phenomenon known as milky seas, illuminating patterns of ocean bioluminescence and marine ecosystem dynamics.

Where are the South Sandwich Islands?

Falkor Expedition Sheds Light on the South Sandwich Islands

The research vessel Falkor set sail on an eight‑day trek from Punta Arenas, Chile to the remote South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic. During the voyage, a team of Ocean Census biologists and a GoSouth consortium—comprised of the University of Plymouth, the British Antarctic Survey, and GEOMAR—prepared to tackle a scientific agenda that spans biodiversity discovery and geohazard assessment.

Geological Highlights of the Region

• Hadal trenches: the deepest parts of the ocean, offering a unique laboratory for studying extreme marine life.
• Underwater volcanoes: active vents that shape the surrounding seabed and influence local ecosystems.
• Spreading centres: tectonic boundaries where new crust is created, driving both geological activity and evolutionary diversification.

Scientific Objectives

The mission was two‑fold:

• Biological surveys: Ocean Census teams aimed to catalog previously unrecorded species, particularly those adapted to the island’s isolated environments.
• Geohazard monitoring: GoSouth researchers conducted seismic and volcanic studies to better understand potential tsunami triggers, volcanic eruptions, and seismic events that could impact the surrounding waters.

Key Takeaways

By combining biological and geological investigations, the Falkor expedition contributes vital knowledge to both marine biology and geoscience, helping to protect this unique and fragile corner of the world.

New hydrothermal vents discovered

Huge Hydrothermal Vents Found Beneath the South Sandwich Islands

The latest survey by the International GoSouth Expedition unveiled a remarkable hydrothermal system deep beneath the ocean floor near the South Sandwich archipelago. Using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) SuBastian from the Schmidt Ocean Institute, scientists mapped compelling geological features that point to active geothermal processes.

Key Findings

• Two distinct pockmarks identified within the floor of the Quest Caldera, a crater formed by a volcanic eruption.
• While the larger pockmark hosts three active vents, the smaller one contains a single, well‑defined fissure.
• These vents release geothermally heated water at a depth of roughly 700 metres from the surface.

Methodology

Co‑chief scientist Dr. Jenny Gales led the field team that transitioned from initial mapping data to a detailed, high‑resolution investigation. The ROV SuBastian was deployed to carefully scan the pockmarks, confirming vent activity that had been hinted at by the preliminary survey.

Implications for Marine Geology

Hydrothermal vents are crucial for understanding seafloor ecosystems and the thermal dynamics of sub‑aqueous volcanic regions. This discovery adds a new chapter to our knowledge of the South Sandwich Islands’ complex geology, indicating that the Quest Caldera remains an active, albeit deep, geothermal powerhouse.

Shimmering Hot Water Detected in Quest Caldera

Scientists have captured the first glimpse of luminous, heated water flashing out of a vent chimney at a depth of 710 metres during a deep‑sea dive on the north‑east face of the Quest Caldera.

Limited‑Depth Hydrothermal Vents Found Near the South Sandwich Islands

• These vents, situated around 700 metres below sea level, rank among the shallowest hydrothermal features discovered in the region.
• The tallest chimney measured four metres, roughly the same height as a standard basketball hoop.
• Discovering them marks a rare breakthrough in ocean exploration, offering fresh insights into tectonic dynamics.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Gales, associate professor of Ocean Exploration at the University of Plymouth, expressed the significance of the find:

“Finding these hydrothermal vents was a magical moment, as they have never been seen here before,” Dr. Gales remarked. “This remarkable discovery provides valuable information about the area’s tectonic activity and underscores the importance of ocean exploration and seafloor mapping.”

Deep‑Sea Exploration on Quest Caldera

Green Sponge Discovery at 974 m Depth

During a recent expedition, scientists aboard the ROV SuBastian documented a striking green deep‑sea sponge resting on the north‑east side of the Quest Caldera at a depth of 974 m. The specimen belongs to the Aphrocallistes genus and displays a translucent coloration likely caused by symbiotic bacteria that assist in the sponge’s nutrient acquisition in the dark ocean floor.

Life Supporting Hydrothermal Vents

• The vents are carpeted with diverse organisms that rely on chemosynthesis—converting inorganic molecules such as hydrogen sulfide into organic food—rather than sunlight.
• Notable species include sea snails from the Vermicella family and barnacles of the Lithoconcha genus, which cling tightly to the vent surfaces.

Unexpected Coral Gardens Near Vents

Surprisingly, the team also recorded thriving coral gardens and large sponges in close proximity to the vents—a rarity for such extreme environments. Dr. Taylor noted that this observation challenges conventional beliefs about vent ecosystems, suggesting a greater ecological resilience than previously understood.

Related Features

For additional insight, refer to the OceanXplorer series that streams live updates from the billionaire’s research vessel as it explores the abyssal depths.

Coral gardens and new species found far from human eyes

Ocean Census Expedition Unveils Fresh Marine Discoveries

During the latest deep‑sea exploration at Humpback Seamount, the research team encountered a dazzling cluster of coral formations, photographed by the ROV SuBastian from the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The snapshot showcases a vivid coral community thriving at a depth of 120 m just west of Saunders Island.

New Marine Life Identified

• Corals displaying robust and colorful structures
• Sponges with intricate surface textures
• Marine snails featuring unique shell patterns
• Sea urchins that add to the benthic diversity
• Sea stars with distinctive arm arrangements
• Benthic ctenophores—gelatinous creatures weaving through the depths

Future Species Catalogue

The team will conduct a thorough assessment and formal classification before announcing the exact number of new species sometime later this year.

Deep-Sea Discoveries in the South Sandwich Trench

1. Unexpected Egg-Laying on Black Coral

During a recent survey of the South Sandwich Trench—one of Earth’s coldest and most remote submarine valleys—a team of scientists observed a strange behavior. Snailfish embryos were found adhered to the surface of black coral, a phenomenon previously undocumented in that region.

2. Unveiling New Marine Life

• Sea Cucumber Species: Researchers identified a potential new species of sea cucumber, organisms distinguished by their soft, cylindrical bodies. These invertebrates are essential for benthic ecosystems, efficiently recycling nutrients in the chilly Antarctic waters.
• Akarotaxis aff. gouldae: The dive produced the first-ever footage of this dragonfish species, which was officially described only two years ago. The visual confirmation confirms its presence in this extreme habitat.

3. Volcanic Activity Evidence

During the expedition, large pumice blocks were recovered, indicating that the South Sandwich Islands possess the potential for explosive volcanic events. These formations suggest that the region’s geological dynamics remain active and impactful.

First‑Ever Video of the Newly Discovered Dragonfish

The pioneering footage of a newly identified dragonfish species offers unprecedented insight into the deep‑sea ecosystems of this isolated region. The dive was carried out aboard the ROV SuBastian, operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Extreme Challenges Faced by the Expedition

• Seismic shockwaves directly beneath the ocean floor
• Tropical‑storm force winds, including hurricane‑level gusts
• Eight‑metre high waves that swept across the vessel
• Gliding through massive iceberg fields

“Mother Nature unleashed all her fury on this mission,” noted Dr. Taylor. “From earthquakes beneath the sea to wind speeds that would make any hurricane furious, the crew had to navigate eight‑metre waves and navigate around towering icebergs.”

Remote and Inspiring Setting

“The South Sandwich Islands—so remote that the nearest human contacts were the astronauts aboard the International Space Station—embellish the boldness required for such an expedition,” said Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute. “It is this isolation and formidable environment that fuels the imagination of the most daring explorers.”