Ocean Depth Discovery Reveals a Lost Island and Precious Resources
A study published in the journal "Scientific Reports" has revealed the history of the "Rio Grande Rise" in the Atlantic Ocean. Researchers found that this area, now submerged hundreds of meters below sea level, was once land with a tropical climate.
A study published in the scientific journal "Scientific Reports" revealed an extraordinary story hidden in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean: about 1,200 kilometers from the coast of Brazil lies a vast area called the "Rio Grande Rise," which is currently partially submerged hundreds of meters below sea level. Researchers who examined red soil taken from the seabed found signs that it was formed when the place was above water, exposed to air and rain, and had tropical conditions. Now the place is sparking interest for an entirely different reason — the natural resources found in the area and the struggle over the right to exploit them.
Deep under the Atlantic Ocean, far from the coast of Brazil, lies a vast area known as the Rio Grande Rise. Today it is underwater, but findings collected by scientists from the seabed reveal that this was not always the case. The main evidence came from a simple-looking material: red soil.
Researchers brought up samples of reddish soil from the seabed that was found between layers of rocks formed by volcanic activity. When they tested the materials within it, they discovered signs consistent with soil that had been exposed for a long period to air, rain, and hot, humid climate conditions. Simply put, the soil that is currently deep underwater looks like soil that was formed on land.
Among other things, the researchers found minerals in it that are formed when rocks undergo a prolonged process of erosion and change due to water and a hot climate. The level of chemical change found in the soil was also particularly high. These findings reinforced the conclusion that part of the Rio Grande Rise was once above the ocean surface and only later sank underwater.
The story does not end with the discovery of what was in the place in the past: the area contains natural resources and minerals of economic importance. Among other things, research in the area deals with metals and minerals that can be used by advanced industries and technologies related to energy. This is the reason why Brazil is also very interested in the area.
Brazil is seeking to recognize the rise as a natural continuation of its land territory under the sea. Simply put: it is asking to receive rights to the seabed and the natural resources found within it, even though the rise is very far from its shores. If the demand is recognized under international law, it could grant Brazil significant rights to the resources on the seabed in the area. However, the matter has not yet been decided.
Even if it turns out that valuable minerals can be extracted from the area, there is another problem: we still do not know enough about the life that is there. The deep seabed is home to natural systems, many of which have not yet been fully studied. Mining could change the seabed and harm the creatures that live on it and in its surroundings. Researcher Luigi Jovane explained the problem simply:
"You need to know how this will affect animals, fungi, and corals."
