Future Explorations to Reveal Secrets of Sea of Sargasso


Algae Forest create underwater Forests

When a place on Earth becomes material of legends and myths one thing is certain science has not taken to its study. In the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sea of Sargasso is perhaps one of these locations which even today continues to withhold secrets.

The massive permanent island composed mostly of marine planktonic algae is linked to early navigation times, ship wrecks, tricky navigations, the Bermuda Triangle and even Atlántida myths. Today it is the eye of a new exploration project. The environment, the biological forms, interactions and use of species as well as its main role and function is a secret. Even finding photographs of the Sea of Sargasso is tricky.

On June 13^th VICE reported that Jacques Rougerie Oceanographer and Architect with over 30 years in underwater designs is reaching his ambitious peak with his new project -a 550 ton semisubmersible vessel called SEAORBITER. Despite the project looks like something which comes out from a Jules Verne novel it is reported to have supporters in high places, with Prince Albert of Monaco and Former NASA administrator Dan Goldin listed as Ambassadors. Rougerie affirms it will be operational by 2015 spanning the oceans in search of unknown species and relics of lost civilizations. Rougerie adds that the Sea of Sargasso will be among the first destination of the SEAORBITER. Why would SEAORBIT choose the Sea of Sargasso among all the numerous ocean locations and environment to explore is unknown.

“We have planned years of expeditions. Our headquarters will be in Monaco, where we will launch our missions with Prince Alberto II of Monaco. Then we will sail the Mediterranean for an year. Then it is programmed that we navigate the Atlantic Ocean for eight years, one of which will be dedicated to a mission in the Sea of Sargasso,” Jacques Rouderie told VICE.

The exploration Sea of Sargasso and its environment does not specifically require such innovation and technology. It is reported that over 3.5 thousand square kilometers of sea algae compose the Sea of Sargasso. The area is known for its lack of winds, marine currents, abundance of plankton and algae forming massive underwater forests which can extend from horizon to horizon at surface. Tides and exchange of superficial and lower stratus waters is also a matter of study. The Sea of Sargasso finds limits in the Gulf Currents, North Atlantic Current and Ecuadorian Currents.

Temperature, pressure and tide movement differences of the water dynamics of the sea of Sargasso cause stratification, division of water by layer. Difference between temperature of ocean water layers is utilized in the generation of renewable energy projects driven by thermo-ocean dynamics, sector led mostly by Japan and the US. This particular characteristic is known to have massive consequences ecologically. It is evident that the Sea of Sargasso also plays a major role in the global patterns as well as contributes to global climate and all elements involved in the issue. Algaes are among the primary producers of trophic chains. The Sea is described for its abundant biodiversity. Organisms linked to the environment include, algae, smaller algae, hydroid coelenterates (similar to soft coral), tubeworms, bryozoans and other organisms.

New studies signal that the Sea is acting much like underwater mounts and guyots act for species in migration who search for locations with determined conditions for reproductive cycles. Additionally the area homes unique endemic species such as Histrio histrio -a type of angler known for imitating the algae and referred to as the Sargassumfish. New undiscovered species could call this environment their home.

“The Ocean is a wonderful place, composed of coral galaxies and treasures which could benefit humanity, renewable energies, bacteria and virus which could be used to produce molecules for medicines and food in the future,” Rougerie of SEAORBITER told VICE.

Ocean Life News in Brief

Ocean Level Increase Dropping Oceans Floor: International Press reported on December 5 on the findings of new research which assures that due to ocean level increase the ocean floor is sinking. The study published online in Geophysical Research Levels used mathematical equations to accurately measure the Ocean's floor impact driven by the increased of water volume weight. Using data from 1993 to 2014 researchers found that ocean level increase is causing the Ocean floor to drop globally by the milimeters. Ocean Dead Zones Up By Four: On January 8 New York Daily reported that Ocean Dead Zones have quadrupled.Researchers warned in a new study that oxygen-starved ocean dead zones, where animals and plants are struggling to survive, have increased fourfold and it may not be reversible. The new study was published in the Journal Science. The increase of Dead Zones was linked to climate change. La Niña´s Polar Wave Hitting Hard the US -Freezing Oceans: International Press reported on the Polar Wave hitting hard the US. The event is linked by experts to the influence of La Niña. “For the past couple of weeks, parts of North America have been chilling down to record temperatures, with massive snowfall and icy cold conditions putting life at a standstill for many,” media reported. The US East Coast has been particularly badly hit with the likes of Boston down to Philadelphia reaching bone-chilling lows of near 0°F , with icy winds making it feel closer to around -10°F to -20°F. Officially 18 were dead and 100 million affected. Government of Bali Declares a Garbage Emergency: On January 5 Ocean Conservancy reported on a New Waste Management Emergency in Bali. Massive amounts of ocean debri are affecting the island. The situation has reached its peak as the Government of Bali declared a “Garbage Emergency”. Clean up works have began. “Ivory Coast Village Swallowed by Ocean Increase,” Aljazeera Reports: On January 8 Al Jazeera reported that ocean increase levels are affecting infrastructure in the Ivory Coast. “Rising tides and more frequent, devastating storms are slowly destroying what is left of Lahou-Kpanda, the offshoot of what was once a major colonial town near the mouth of the Bandama River, the longest river in Ivory Coast,” Al Jazeera reported. Arctic Ocean Radioactive Levels on the Rise: IFL Science reported on January 3 on the findings of new report which assures that radioactive levels in the Arctic Ocean are on the rise. “Concentrations of radioactive radium-228 in the Arctic Ocean increased between 2007 and 2015,” the report reads. While levels have not yet reached a mark of concern the trend is worries experts. Lauren Kipp of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution addressed the issue. New World Wide Ocean Turtle Study Says 90% of Plastic Pollution Cases Result in Death: Earth Sky Org reported on January 7 that hundreds of marine turtles die every year after getting tangled in trash in oceans and on beaches. A research published in the journal Endangered Species Research took on a World-Wide Survey covering the major oceans where turtles live. They discovered that 91 % of the entangled turtles were found dead. They also suffered serious wounds from entanglement, leading to maiming, amputation or choking. Double Whirlpools Discovered for First Time: December 4 Press reported that Double Eddies have been registered for the first time in History. Tangled up Double Eddies can travel great distances affecting ecology significantly. Eddies are a natural part of the ocean environment but double whirlpools had only been theorized by mathematicians.