For a limited time there’s a treat available online for the armchair marine biologist in all of us.
The Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific, is the deepest part of the world’s oceans. East of the Philippines, it is about 1,580 miles long (though only about 43 miles wide, on average), and it reaches a depth of nearly 7 miles at its deepest point.
The extreme pressure (15,750 psi) and constant water temperature in the low 30s (F) create a habitat where marine life that can be found nowhere else thrives.
Now you can see for yourself. Scientists are streaming video through July 10.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aXR-SL5L2o
Alternatively, you can dive in at the Okeanos Explorer live stream site, where there are other camera views. Be forewarned, it’s addictive to watch.
The video comes courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Okeanos Explorer,an exploration ship with a remotely operated deep-sea vehicle. The 69-day expedition is divided into three legs — one around-the-clock mapping cruise and two combined ROV/mapping legs. Live video will be streamed throughout.
The online publication ScienceAlert.com is following the feed and can offer additional context to what you’re seeing.
