Synopsis
DEEP SEA
Deep sea: 1000m below the surface – there is no light, instead an immense pressure and icy temperatures. The deep sea encompasses more than 90% of the planets habitat. Yet we know less about the depths of our oceans than we do about the surface of the moon.
This film documents the technical, scientific, and ecological challenges faced by deep sea researchers. One of the largest scale projects to date is called ARGO. Scientists around the globe work together in an effort to gather data on the physical state of the upper ocean. They use more than 3000 battery powered floats to detect potential influences of the deep sea on weather systems like the El Nino or the monsoon. Does the ocean affect global climate change?
The deep sea might even offer solutions when it comes to the issue of CO2. Is there a way to sink the gas in the depths of the ocean? Researchers in the Okinawa Trough are trying to find out. In addition the sea floor harbors humongous amounts of resources: oil, natural gas, methane. There is also an abundance of gold, copper, and manganese. Scientists work hard to try and locate these materials.
Millions of deep sea dwellers are waiting for their discovery. If these bizarre ocean creatures will ever be fully grasped is doubtful. Still researchers are trying to account for them in the “Census of Marine Life” species catalogue. They are hoping to find new pharmaceutical components.
The expenditures that come with these scientific projects are enormous. Huge research vessels and high-tech equipment are necessary to get to the depths of the oceans secrets. Still these efforts remain mere visits to the unknown. Scientists are secretly dreaming of research stations on the ocean floor that would enable them to keep a more constant eye on the abyss.
By presenting exciting new projects worldwide, this film offers insight into recent deep sea research. It shows, that there is still a lot to be discovered on planet earth. Finally, it recognizes that the unknown world of the ocean affects life on this entire planet in ways we never knew before.
It offers new and invaluable insights concerning both the origin and the future of life on earth.