Not All Icebergs Are White: What Causes Their Rainbow Hues?

About 80% of the world’s oceans remain unexplored. With oceans covering 70% of Earth’s surface, we have only mapped a small fraction of it. Currently, we can study depths of up to around three miles, but much of the ocean remains a mystery.

Recent discoveries in marine life are a testament to this unexplored realm. For instance, scientists have identified new species such as the Genie’s dogfish shark and have documented the longest jellyfish ever recorded, a 154-foot-long specimen found off Australia earlier this year.

In the Arctic and Antarctic, a curious phenomenon known as frost flowers occurs. These are not actual flowers but ice crystals that form on young sea ice. They often contain various microorganisms, creating a small, temporary ecosystem.

Submarine volcanoes, found beneath the ocean’s surface, are significant to marine ecosystems. These volcanic systems, often located about 8,500 feet underwater, are the most active and productive volcanic areas on Earth.

The Maelstrom, a powerful whirlpool, is infamous among sailors. One of the most well-known Maelstroms is near Awaji Island in Japan. It can create tides moving at speeds of 8 to 12 miles per hour, making it exceptionally strong and dangerous for large vessels.

Icebergs, famously highlighted by the Titanic disaster, can have striking colors like brown, black, green, yellow, and blue. These colors result from various factors, such as algae or sediments trapped in the ice or different melting and freezing processes.

In March 2019, scientists observed a puzzling phenomenon during an underwater volcanic exploration: what appeared to be an upside-down lake at a depth of 6,500 feet. This was later determined to be an optical illusion created by the hot, chemically rich fluids of the underwater environment.

The world’s largest waterfall is hidden beneath the Denmark Strait, between Iceland and Greenland. It starts 2,000 feet below the surface and plunges down to 10,000 feet, creating a massive underwater waterfall.

In 2011, Swedish treasure hunters discovered an intriguing object on the Baltic Sea floor, described as having unusual stair formations. Initially speculated to be an ancient structure, experts now believe it to be a natural glacial deposit, although its exact nature remains uncertain.

The Black Sea, located in southeastern Europe, is known for its unique ‘sea smoke,’ which forms when warmer, humid water meets cooler air, creating a vapor-like effect.

During sunset and sunrise, you might observe a green flash on the ocean’s horizon. This brief phenomenon occurs due to the prismatic effect of the Earth’s atmosphere, causing sunlight to split into various colors.

Red tides, or algal blooms, are common but can be hazardous. These blooms occur when algae grow rapidly, producing toxins that can be harmful to marine life and humans. Caution is advised during such events.

Octopuses and squid have three hearts: one large heart for overall circulation and two smaller branchial hearts for pumping blood through their gills. This adaptation helps them thrive in their aquatic environments.

Dolphins, particularly bottlenose dolphins, use unique whistles that function like names. These signature calls help dolphins identify and communicate with each other.

In the Pacific Ocean, a mysterious whale known as “the loneliest whale” emits a higher-pitched song than other blue whales. Its unique call may contribute to its isolation, as no one has yet observed this whale up close.

Blue whale hearts are enormous, measuring over five feet long and weighing more than 400 pounds, compared to the size of a human heart, which is about the size of a fist.

Sharks can develop up to 30,000 teeth over their lifetimes, a remarkable feature considering that most people have just one set. This large number of teeth makes their dental care quite daunting.

One species of jellyfish, known as the “immortal jellyfish,” has the remarkable ability to revert to an earlier stage of development when under threat or in poor conditions. Discovered in the 1990s, this jellyfish could provide insights into regenerative medicine for both humans and animals.