Journalist Susan Casey explores the relationship between humans and the deep deep ocean, discussing the lack of understanding and exploration in this mysterious realm. She shares her experience of diving into the Twilight Zone, encountering bioluminescent fish and discussing the circular migration of deep-sea creatures. The potential risks of extracting resources from the deep ocean are also highlighted.
The Twilight Zone of the deep ocean is a biodiverse and awe-inspiring region that remains relatively unexplored.
Understanding the role of the deep ocean, particularly in carbon cycling, is crucial for safeguarding its delicate ecosystems and preventing potential negative impacts.
Deep dives
The Mysterious Monsters of the Deep Ocean
The podcast episode explores the fascinating world of the deep ocean, starting with a discussion on a historical map that depicted mythical sea monsters. The host interviews journalist Susan Casey, who shares her experiences and insights from her journey into the deep ocean aboard a submersible. They discuss the awe-inspiring beauty and biodiversity of the Twilight Zone, a part of the ocean that remains relatively unexplored. The importance of studying the deep ocean and understanding its role in the Earth's ecosystem, particularly in relation to carbon cycling, is also emphasized.
The Twilight Zone: A Matrix of Life
As Susan Casey descends into the Twilight Zone, she describes the incredible transition in light and color, from vibrant blue at the surface to pure darkness below. She highlights the abundance of marine life in this zone, which surpasses all other regions of the ocean combined. The captivating bioluminescent creatures, including fish with giant teeth and various jellyfish species, create a surreal atmosphere. Susan also explains the crucial role of these organisms in daily vertical migrations, which contribute to carbon sequestration and impact the global carbon cycle.
Challenges and Threats to the Deep Ocean
Susan Casey raises concerns about the escalating interest in exploiting the deep ocean for economic purposes, such as mining and fishing. She warns against fishing the Twilight Zone without fully understanding its ecosystems, as these delicate balance could be disrupted. The potential negative impacts on marine life and the broader ocean ecosystem are explained. Despite these challenges, Susan expresses her deep connection and sense of awe for the ocean, emphasizing the need to appreciate and protect this remarkable environment.