The renowned biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands is not confined to the terrestrial realm, as a recent deep-water expedition has unveiled the hidden wonders beneath the giant tortoises’ stomping grounds.... The post Galápagos Islands’ Not Just Teeming With Giant...
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The renowned biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands is not confined to the terrestrial realm, as a recent deep-water expedition has unveiled the hidden wonders beneath the giant tortoises’ stomping grounds.
Led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, an international team embarked on a groundbreaking journey that uncovered two pristine cold-water coral reefs flourishing in the depths, a discovery that expands our understanding of marine ecosystems.
Unlike tropical coral reefs, which predominantly thrive within 120 feet of the surface, these newly discovered cold-water corals were found at staggering depths ranging from 1,200 to 1,375 feet (370 to 420 meters).
Referred to as “stony corals,” these deep-sea marvels were nestled alongside the walls and bases of seamounts, creating an awe-inspiring underwater spectacle. The larger of the two reefs stretched over 800 meters, equivalent to eight football fields, while the second, though smaller at 250 meters, was equally impressive.