
Exploring the depths of Challenger Deep, the Earth's deepest point, unveils a world of extremes. In this pitch-black abyss where temperatures linger just above freezing and pressure is colossal, life has adapted in remarkable ways. While numerous species thrive in this harsh environment, it remains utterly inhospitable for humans. Only a select few—approximately a couple of dozen individuals—have ventured to Challenger Deep, a locale at the ocean floor's utmost depth.
Among those rare explorers is Dawn Wright, a marine geographer and the chief scientist of the Environmental Systems Research Institute. To her, Challenger Deep is a realm that can evoke both horror and terror or captivation and boundless beauty. For Wright, it was undeniably the latter. Her descent into Challenger Deep in July 2022, alongside pilot and ocean explorer Victor Vescovo in the submersible "Limiting Factor," marked a purposeful and thrilling journey. Wright's passion lies in understanding the rocks and dynamics at the ocean floor.
Situated in the Pacific Ocean within the Mariana Trench, Challenger Deep extends nearly 11,000 meters, or 6.7 miles, below the ocean surface. The expedition was part of a global initiative to map the entire world's ocean by 2030—an endeavor crucial not only for scientific knowledge but also for human safety and technological progress.
Descending into Challenger Deep, Wright describes the submersible experience akin to being in a space capsule—confined yet filled with instrumentation. The small space housed a series of oxygen tanks, providing a 96-hour emergency supply. At around 800 meters, sunlight vanished, casting the descent into perpetual darkness until reaching the ocean floor. For Wright, the absence of light heightened the spectacle awaiting them—an awe-inspiring fireworks show in the mysterious depths of Challenger Deep.
Creatures of the deep sea, from mysterious worms to ethereal jellyfish and the elusive anglerfish, possess the mesmerizing ability of bioluminescence—creating their own light. According to Dawn Wright, during their descent into the ocean's depths, Victor Vescovo observed flashes of light, prompting him to reciprocate by flashing the submersible's lights. A subtle dance of communication unfolded between the explorers and these luminous denizens of the abyss.
Amid the enchantment of deep-sea marvels, Wright and Vescovo's primary mission was to test a specialized mapping device. The question arises: why invest in mapping the bottom of the ocean, a realm so few have witnessed? The answer transcends the mundane, encompassing critical aspects of scientific understanding and human safety.
One pivotal application of ocean floor mapping lies in monitoring and predicting tsunamis, often triggered by undersea earthquakes. Wright elucidates that disturbances on the ocean floor can propagate through the water column, creating waves that evolve into tsunamis. By comprehensively mapping earthquake-prone areas, scientists gain the ability to provide coastal regions with advanced warning, potentially saving lives.
The ocean floor isn't merely a realm of scientific curiosity; it harbors crucial elements for human innovation. Submarine cables, responsible for the majority of global internet traffic, traverse the ocean floor between continents. Likewise, developers planning offshore wind farms rely on seafloor composition data to anchor turbines securely. Mapping the ocean floor also plays a role in preserving vulnerable marine habitats and aids in search and rescue missions for lost individuals or objects at sea.
Traditionally, satellite data has been instrumental in ocean mapping, but its limitations in resolution prompted the adoption of sound navigation and ranging (sonar). Wright likens this transition to getting a new eyeglass prescription—bringing clarity to the underwater landscape. Sonar functions by emitting sound pulses from the ocean surface towards the seafloor, measuring the time it takes for the sound to return and considering variables like temperature and salt content to determine specific depths. The result is a bathymetry map, akin to a topography map but depicting changes in underwater depth. In this way, the hidden contours of the ocean floor are unveiled, contributing to a profound understanding of Earth's last frontier.
Despite significant strides, only about 25 percent of the world's seafloor is intricately mapped. However, the ambitious Seabed 2030 initiative, spearheaded by the Nippon Foundation and GEBCO, envisions achieving comprehensive mapping, covering 100 percent of the seafloor, in just over six years. Dawn Wright, a leading figure in this endeavor, acknowledges the enormity of the task but points out that only a few years ago, a mere 6 percent of the ocean floor was charted.
To bridge the gap and expedite progress, ocean mappers are turning to collaboration with industry partners. Wright expresses hope that reaching 40 percent can be swiftly accomplished by persuading companies to release and make their data public. The urgency is underscored by the United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, aiming for the complete mapping of the ocean floor by 2030. Wright emphasizes that failure to achieve this goal would not halt the efforts; however, the lingering gaps pose risks, akin to "playing with fire," necessitating accelerated efforts for the sake of scientific understanding and human safety.
The evolving landscape of ocean science and exploration continues to unfold, driven by collaborative initiatives and the imperative to unravel the mysteries of the vast underwater realm. For those intrigued by ocean science, Short Wave offers an insightful exploration, inviting inquiries at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and providing engaging content on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. This episode's production was led by Berly McCoy, expertly edited by Rebecca Ramirez, and diligently fact-checked by Anil Oza and Rebecca, with Robert Rodriguez serving as the audio engineer.
In conclusion, the Seabed 2030 initiative, led by the Nippon Foundation and GEBCO, is a bold endeavor aimed at mapping 100 percent of the world's seafloor in just over six years. While approximately 25 percent is currently detailed, the rapid progress is notable, considering that only a few years ago, a mere 6 percent had been mapped. Dawn Wright, a key figure in this initiative, highlights the collaborative effort with industry partners as a crucial factor in achieving the goal, with the hope of swiftly reaching 40 percent coverage.
The urgency stems from the United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which envisions comprehensive ocean floor mapping by 2030. Wright emphasizes that, despite the challenges, the work will persist beyond this timeline. However, the metaphorical "playing with fire" analogy underscores the risks associated with incomplete mapping, urging a concerted and accelerated effort for the sake of scientific knowledge and human safety.
As the ocean science landscape continues to evolve, collaborative initiatives like Seabed 2030 play a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries of the ocean floor. For those intrigued by the wonders of ocean science, Short Wave offers an engaging exploration, inviting questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and delivering insightful content on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. The episode's production, led by Berly McCoy, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, and fact-checked by Anil Oza and Rebecca, with Robert Rodriguez as the audio engineer, exemplifies the collaborative spirit driving ocean exploration into the future.