During a four-week expedition to the Red Sea, American scientists discovered something quite unique. Because down at the bottom of the sea, they found a rather rare phenomenon: a brine pool. These basins are depressions in the seabed. Here there is little or no access to oxygen, and the area has a salt content that is three to eight times higher than the surrounding sea. In other words – not a particularly welcoming environment. Yet these pools contain both secrets and knowledge. They can say something about how the oceans on Earth were formed millions of years ago. They may also provide clues to the possibility of life on other planets… The study is published in Nature Communications. Had luck The depression was discovered 1,770 meters below sea level in the northern extension of the Red Sea. In the past, similar sites have been found in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Mediterranean. The pool was discovered with the help of a remote-controlled underwater vehicle. In the nick of time. Sam Purkis has led the study. He says it is important to learn about life in the extreme environments on Earth, before you can look for life on other planets. Photo: University of Miami – We were very lucky. The discovery was made during the last minutes of a ten-hour dive, says Sam Purkis to Live science. He is a professor at the University of Miami, and has led the study. – It is believed that life on Earth originated in the depths of the oceans, almost certainly under conditions without oxygen. Studying this environment gives us insight into the environment in which life first arose. It can also lead us further in the search for life in outer space. Die almost instantly These saltwater pools are one of the most extreme environments on Earth. But despite their inhospitable environment, they teem with life. In the past, scientists have managed to isolate bioactive molecules from microbes found in such environments. These molecules may contain properties that, among other things, can help against cancer, says the study. But these salty recesses are certainly not suitable for everyone. Nevertheless, it is apparently a popular area to hang out in. The researchers discovered that both shrimp and eels used the area for hunting. – Any animal that strays into the brine is immediately stunned or killed. And the predators that hunt nearby can feed on the less fortunate, explains Purkis. The Red Sea offers a rich wildlife: It is known, among other things, for its occurrences of sharks, but also rays, turtles and whales live there. Photo: Maoz Fine Can trace natural disasters back in time The Red Sea has the highest number of such pools found to date. These are believed to have originated 5–23 million years ago. At the time, the sea level in the region was lower than it is today. But this is the first to be discovered near land. Until now, all these places have been located at least 25 kilometers from the coast. The new depression has been found just 2 kilometers from shore, in the Gulf of Aqaba. With the help of core samples from the environment, you can learn a little bit about the past, according to the researchers. Among other things, they can find traces of natural forces from a long time ago. Both records of earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. The findings indicate, among other things, that during the last 1,000 years, enormous amounts of rain in the area have led to major floods approximately every 25 years. Tsunamis are said to have been common once every century. This is the first time such an area has been found close to land, say the researchers. On the map, the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea is marked.
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Animals die in immediate contact with the site – news Trøndelag
