Deep Sea Exploration

Deep sea exploration is a relatively new type of scientific investigation. It has mainly relied on recent advances in underwater technology which can withstand the deep sea environment and facilitate investigation at greater depths. Essentially, deep sea exploration involves the study of the physical, chemical and biological conditions of the seabed for scientific and commercial purposes.   Many parts of the deep sea have yet to be explored and there is still a great deal to be understood about deep sea activity and deep ocean trenches. However, deep sea exploration has already led to many discoveries that have revealed important aspects of earth’s history. The sea bed provides numerous details of geographical events that have occurred in the past. It also holds a key to understanding the earth’s future whereby greater understanding of ocean circulation and currents can allow more accurate assessments on climate change.

Deep sea exploration is believed to have begun with Pierre Simon de Laplace (1749-1827) when he recorded ocean depths in the Atlantic Ocean using tidal motions off the coasts of Brazil and Africa. These recordings were later confirmed accurate when modern sound devises were used to record the same measurements.

Marine organisms that dwell deep beneath the ocean’s surface contribute immensely to the diversity of global ecosystems and provide particular interest for deep sea explorers. Norwegian researchers in 1864 were among the first to identify different forms of marine life in the deep sea.