What in the World From blobfish to goblinshark: Why do deep ocean creatures look so weird?
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Jul 16, 2025 In this discussion, Georgina Rannard, BBC's Climate and Science correspondent, sheds light on the challenges of exploring the deep ocean. She reveals that less than 20% of the ocean has been mapped, making it tougher to reach than outer space. Rannard discusses groundbreaking discoveries, such as 'dark oxygen' and the bizarre adaptations of deep-sea creatures like blobfish and goblin sharks. The conversation highlights how new technologies are unveiling the mysteries of our planet's final frontier while emphasizing the ocean's vital role in climate regulation and oxygen production.
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Challenges Limit Ocean Exploration
- Oceans are hard to explore due to extreme pressure, darkness, cold, and vastness.
- These challenges limit human access and exploration to about 20% of ocean volume.
First Mariana Trench Exploration Story
- Jacques Piccard and Lieutenant Walsh first explored Mariana Trench's Challenger Deep in 1960s.
- They saw fish despite eight tons per square inch pressure but visibility was poor due to sediment.
James Cameron's Deep Sea Dive
- James Cameron revisited Challenger Deep with cameras, capturing first detailed footage.
- He observed small creatures but ran out of power before exploring more diverse habitats.