Science

eppur_se_muova

(36,317 posts) Thu Feb 23, 2012, 11:57 PM Feb 2012

Race to the bottom of the ocean: Why go down? (BBC)

As a new wave of explorers race to reach the deepest part of the ocean, researchers too are realising the scientific potential that lies at the bottom of the sea, writes science reporter Rebecca Morelle.

Stretching for more than 2,500km (1,500 miles), the Mariana Trench is a very narrow, very deep crack in the ocean floor.

At its deepest, it reaches nearly 11km (seven miles) down - making it the lowest point in our oceans.

Once, its record-breaking depth was thought to be the only interesting thing about the trench, but now scientists are beginning to think

Jim Gardner, from the US Centre for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM), says: "Trenches are becoming much more focused in the scientific community."
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17041438

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Race to the bottom of the ocean: Why go down? (BBC) (Original Post) eppur_se_muova Feb 2012 OP

Ocean trench: Take a dive 11,000m down dipsydoodle Feb 2012 #1

dipsydoodle

(42,239 posts)

1. Ocean trench: Take a dive 11,000m down

Reply to eppur_se_muova (Original post)

Fri Feb 24, 2012, 07:22 AM

Feb 2012

Icy cold, pitch black and with crushing pressures - the deepest part of the ocean is one of the most hostile places on the planet. Only two explorers have made the epic journey there: 11km (seven miles) down to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench. As a new wave of explorers is gearing up to repeat this remarkable dive, take a look at the mysterious world that they will be plunging into.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17013285

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