Today’s Solutions: November 23, 2024

The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor embarked on its fourth expedition this year to explore the deepest regions of the Great Barrier Reef. At 1,820 meters deep, the researchers discovered five new species of corals and sponges and took the first sample of the 40 and 50 million year old ancient bedrock beneath the Great Barrier Reef. 

In addition to these new discoveries, the team also documented the first observation of the extremely rare Rhinopias agroliba fish in Australia. Throughout their expedition, the researchers completed high-resolution mapping of the Coral Sea covering 38,395 square kilometers. That’s more than three times larger than the area of Sydney!

“These maps, samples, and images are fascinating and provide a new understanding of the geological diversity and biological wealth of a region that is already world-renowned for its natural beauty,” said Dr. Jyotika Virmani, executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute. 

The research team included scientists from Geoscience Australia, James Cook University, University of Sydney, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Queensland Museum Network, and the Queensland University of Technology. The expedition spanned many research disciplines including geology, biology, and oceanography. 

The vast amount of data collected during this exhaustive expedition has already yielded some great finds, but it will also keep scientists busy for years to come as they analyze new evidence from one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. We can’t wait to see what additional discoveries come from this voyage!

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

This Canadian didn’t want to fly from Germany to Canada—so he took a cargo ship

When Will Vibert’s European work visa was closing in on its expiration date, the Canadian was reluctant to travel back to Vancouver via plane. ...

Read More

Simple movement is connected to better brain health in older adults

It goes without saying that practicing regular exercise offers plentiful benefits for our overall health, but as we age, engaging in the same exercise ...

Read More

Passive cooling techniques reduce AC strain by up to 80 percent

In the summer months, many of us are of two minds: we’re dying to keep it cool, but we’re also dying not to spend ...

Read More

Making windows bird-friendly: a crash course on protecting our feathered friends

In 1990, Michael Mesure was on the way to a wildlife rehabilitation center. Among his passengers was a common yellowthroat, a colorful warbler that ...

Read More