Al-Amn Magazine

DOCUMENTARY I An unexpected d i scovery Gi ant anima l l i fe i n t he oceani c crus t n the depths of the ocean, a groundbreaking discovery has stunned the scientific community. Massive creatures, previously unknown, have been found thriving in the Earth’s crust beneath the sea floor. This unexpected revelation challenges our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and opens up new frontiers in marine biology research. At depths exceeding 2,500 meters, researchers aboard the research vessel Falkor have uncovered a bustling ecosystem teeming with life. The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s team utilized advanced submersibles to explore the Pacific Ocean’s seafloor, revealing a diverse array of marine life inhabiting cavities filled with hydrothermal fluids. Among the most striking discoveries are giant worms reaching lengths of up to three meters. These colossal creatures, along with various gastropods, cephalopods, and previously undocumented mollusks, have adapted to survive in this extreme environment. The presence of larvae in these cavities suggests that juvenile specimens may colonize this habitat through hydrothermal vent fluids, indicating a potential interconnection with seafloor ecosystems. This revelation is particularly significant as it marks the first time such large animals have been observed in these geological structures. While microorganisms were known to inhabit hydrothermal vents, the presence of complex, macroscopic life forms in the ocean crust was entirely unexpected. The geological marvels supporting life in the deep The key to this thriving ecosystem lies in the unique geological formations known as hydrothermal chimneys. These structures create favorable conditions for life to flourish in what was once thought to be an inhospitable environment. The interaction between cold seawater and hot hydrothermal fluids creates a dynamic system that supports a variety of life forms. A cross-section of the lobate lava formations