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Hidden beneath Antarctica's ice: What secrets does the Ross Sea's massive underwater mountain hold
The Ross Sea, as the southernmost waters of Antarctica, hides countless mysteries in the scientific community. Since British explorer James Clark Ross first discovered this deep sea in 1841, oceanographers and ecologists around the world have begun in-depth research here. The biodiversity of this sea, the seafloor features explored by geologists, and the environmental challenges it faces are all on display beneath the gray and white ice cover.
The Ross Sea covers an area of approximately 637,000 square kilometres and is rich in marine life, many of which are still not fully understood.
The Ross Sea is uniquely located between Victoria and Marie Byrd territories and is covered by the Ross Ice Shelf. This is not only the birthplace of explorers' exploration of Antarctica, but also an important place for biologists to study marine ecosystems. According to the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, the hydrological cycle in this sea area is dominated by wind-driven ocean currents, and different seabed topography affects the flow pattern of seawater.
The deep water circulation in the Ross Sea is particularly significant, and the warm currents not only provide a habitat for local organisms but also support abundant primary production. The diversity of local marine life is due to the cold environment, rich nutrient sources and relative isolation, which makes the Ross Sea home to many rare species, such as Weddell seals, killer whales and different types of penguins.
In the Ross Sea, biologists have discovered at least ten mammal species and 95 fish species, all of which are relatively rare worldwide.
In recent years, the study of the seabed topography of the Ross Sea has gradually become a focus. Using deep-sea drilling technology, scientists have revealed the rich geological background of the region, including the impact of future global climate change. Geological research shows that the formation of crustal rocks at certain depths on the seabed is closely related to the advance and retreat of ice ages, and these geographical changes provide the background for adjusting the local ecological environment.
Ecological networks in the Ross Sea system are remarkably resilient and diverse, reflecting the unique environment, according to new research. However, as the impact of global warming becomes more and more profound, this beautiful sea area is also facing potential threats. For example, overfishing of toothfish has caused a sharp decline in its numbers, becoming an issue of great concern in the scientific community.
Experts have reported a correlation between fishing activity and declines in whale shark populations over several study periods.
Open and transparent data is vital to protecting the Ross Sea. The Ross Sea Marine Park was established in 2016 under a contract between New Zealand and an international marine management organization, making it one of the largest marine protected areas in the world. Nevertheless, commercial interests between different countries still affect the advancement of protection work, making this issue an increasingly complex international dispute.
Environmental groups have repeatedly called on governments to give firm support to protect the Ross Sea from future overexploitation and ecological damage. Such developments call for reflection on how to strike a balance between economic interests and ecological protection. At the same time, it has also sparked a discussion about humanity's responsibility to nature and how to protect our remaining natural resources.
"The future of the Ross Sea is not only about this sea area, but also about the future of all mankind. What should we do?"
How many unsolved mysteries are hidden in this last pristine ocean on Earth? Perhaps all of this is what drives humanity forward as we explore the ecology, geology and conservation of the Ross Sea? Should we pay more attention and make more efforts to the future of this cold sea?
