Brittlestar City, Underwater Mountain lying south of New Zealand
Mon, May 19th 2008, 00:00
New Zealand and Australia Scientists revealed an exciting new discovery at a conference in Oslo in 2008.
The New Zealand and Australia research team have been studying the conditions and typography of a deep underwater mountain range, the Macquarie Ridge which stretches south from New Zealand for 1,400 km towards the Antarctic Circle. Macquarie is washed by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current which passes over the underwater mountains (seamounts) at a speed of 2 knots. This is fast for a current, and allows filter feeders in the area to obtain their food as it floats by.
The summits of the seamounts are usually dominated by corals and sponges, but Scientists were excited to discover a huge population of Brittlestar living on the Macquarie summit. Brittlestar are related to the starfish family and are also distant relatives of the sea cucumbers and sea urchins. The Scientists have dubbed the area Brittlestar city after the vast colony of Brittlestar they found.
The Brittlestar are crammed together on the deep summit of the seamount and wave their arms in the current to get food. They were photographed by an underwater robot submarine, the Deep Towed Imaging System (DTIS). DTIS allows Scientists to photograph the depths of the ocean inaccessible to humans. This research project produced over 20 hours of video and photographic footage of the Macquarie Ridge.
There are about 100,000 seamounts around the world, but very few of them have been studied. The seamounts play an important role in the ocean ecosystem as the feeding ground for hosts of fish, marine mammals and seabirds. They may well hold the key to managing the biodiversity of our oceans.
Related Categories
Featured Businesses
- Ocean Environment Lecture Series (2009-12-01)
Located in Blue Hill, Hancock County, Maine, United States
The Ocean Environment Lecture Series, MERI Center for Marine Studies, Blue Hill, Maine, United States, is aimed at increasing and enhancing stewardship of the ocean resources, and creating awareness of the critical ocean issues.
read more » - Western Ranges Horse Treks (2008-12-04)
Located in Wakefield, Wakefield, Nelson, New Zealand
Western Ranges Horse Treks ,Wakefield, offers Horse treks and trekking in the mountains of New Zealand. Horse trek in some of the most beautiful mountains in the world with Western Ranges Horse Treks.
read more » - Seamount Seaside Cottages
Located in Kalk Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
These quaint private 2 bedroom cottages are set against the mountain looking out to sea. This peaceful setting is at the junction of Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Clovelly in the Beautiful Cape province of South Africa. 40 minutes from central Cape Town ...
read more » - Clover Downs Estate
Located in Ngongotaha , Lake Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Welcome to Clover Downs Estate, a luxury bed and breakfast retreat in stunning rural surroundings near Rotorua. Enjoy the comfort of superior accommodation while experiencing authentic New Zealand farm life.
read more » - The Starfish Grille
Located in Folly Beach, Charleston County, South Carolina, United States
The Starfish Grille that served you on the Folly Beach Pier for the past 10 years is now located in the heart of James Island. We are in The Merchant Village Shopping Center at the intersection of Folly and Harbor View Road. No ocean view, but as before,...
read more » - The New Zealander Restaurant (2009-06-05)
Located in Alameda, Alameda County, California, United States
The New Zealander Restaurant located in Alameda, services the perfect New Zealand meat pie together with pub style meals with domestic and imported beers on tap, in a family friendly atmosphere.
read more » - Bodega Lodge Conference (2009-06-08)
Located in Bodega Bay, Sonoma County, California, United States
Participants truly enjoy every aspect of our conference facilities at Bodega Lodge Conference in Bodega Bay. The meeting support, food and beverage, level of service, amenities and, of course, the property itself are all first class.
read more » - Ocean Green Bed and Breakfast (2009-12-15)
Located in Dunsborough, Shire of Busselton, South West, Australia
Ocean Green Bed And Breakfast in Dunsborough is just a stroll away from the gorgeous Margaret River Wine Region, with its beautiful beaches, wineries, arts and crafts. Relax in the pool and listen to the birds or enjoy the stunning views.
read more » - South Pacific Safaris New Zealand Guided Hunting Trips & Trophy Hunts (2011-07-07)
Located in Kaikoura, Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
As a professional hunting guide with 30 years experience in New Zealand, Mike looks forward to sharing his hunting knowledge with you.
read more » - Starfish Deli (2008-11-18)
Located in BATEMANS BAY, South Coast, New South Wales , Australia
Starfish Deli is located on Clyde St Batemans Bay, NSW, Australia on the corner of Promenade Plaza. If you have come from Canberra, Sydney or elsewhere up north, then after you cross the bridge, turn left on to Clyde St....there will be shops on the right and the river on the left….keep travelling down the street, past the car parks and we are on the corner of the first group of buildings on the left, alongside the river. Just look for the large blue umbrellas outside …..you can’t miss us!
read more »
Brittlestar City, Underwater Mountain lying south of New Zealand reviews
Login to comment