Even in the 21st century there are regions of our planet that are largely unexplored. The largest such area is the deep ocean. Man has only begun to explore the deep with robotic submersibles and submarines. French scientists engaged in research off Tahiti have found a precious, untouched coral reef in an age in which most reefs are suffering tremendous damage due to climate change and ocean acidification. First seen by recreational divers, scientists soon followed up to find a reef at depth--35 to 70 meters--largely unaffected by the conditions killing reefs around the world. Between 2009 and 2018
14% of the world's corals were killed. UNESCO sponsored an expedition late last year to study and record this special organism. The newfound reef stretches for 3 kilometers. Divers spent 200 hours mapping, measuring, and photographing the formations that resemble roses growing beneath the waves. [photo credit: A. Rosenfeld]
Recent volcanic eruption and tsunami that struck Tonga did no damage to the deep reef. Scientists hope this pristine structure will give them insight into how corals might resist change in the planet's chemistry and what role they play in the deep ocean ecosystem.
