World's Largest Whale Graveyard Discovered Off Australia, Containing 5.3-Million-Year-Old Fossils
Marine scientists have discovered the world's largest known 'whale graveyard' in international waters of the Indian Ocean off Australia, containing fossils up to 5.3 million years old and an unknown species. The discovery was made in March 2023 by the research vessel 'Tansuo-1' of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering.
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(Central News Agency, Sydney, 11th - Special Dispatch) Marine scientists have discovered the world's largest known 'whale graveyard' in international waters of the Indian Ocean off Australia, a site accumulating whale carcasses and fossils. The site contains not only decomposing whale carcasses but also fossils of previously undiscovered extinct whale species, including whale remains dating back 5.3 million years.
According to a report by the Australian public broadcaster ABC today, the discovered 'whale graveyard' is located on the seabed of the Diamantina Zone in the Indian Ocean near Australia. This trench, stretching 1,200 kilometers, is the deepest 'whale graveyard' ever discovered on the ocean floor and the area with the highest accumulation of whale carcasses and remains.
The 'whale graveyard' was discovered in March 2023 by the research vessel 'Tansuo-1' of the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering (IDSSE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Crew members first observed the carcasses of five whales slowly sinking into the deep sea, a process known as a 'whale fall'. Subsequently, they discovered a collection of cetacean fossils in the deep ocean.
IDSSE Deputy Director Peng Xiaotong stated that researchers used the 'Fendouzhe' manned submersible to dive to depths between 4,200 and 7,002 meters, discovering the first fossils in the Dordrecht Deep. The team conducted 33 dives with the 'Fendouzhe' to map the distribution of fossils and whale falls, recovering a total of 476 cetacean fossils.
Among the fossils discovered was a skull fragment belonging to an unknown species. Researchers have named it 'Pterocetus diamantinae'.
Giovanni Bianucci, a paleontologist from the University of Pisa involved in the study, stated that comparing it to other species revealed significant anatomical differences. He said, 'This discovery enhances our understanding of the evolutionary history of beaked whales and helps clarify how this highly specialized group evolved.'
Regarding the formation of this 'whale graveyard', several hypotheses exist. Marine biologist Song Xiaotong, who participated in the study, suggested it may be related to the Diamantina Trench being a habitat or migration route for various whale species. Other factors include the deep-sea topography of the area and whale behavior.
Song said, 'When beaked whales dive to depths below 3,000 meters, they may reach their physiological limits, increasing the risk of death from exhaustion or decompression sickness.' Additionally, the V-shaped topography of the Diamantina Trench may funnel whale carcasses to specific locations on the seabed. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150611
According to a report by the Australian public broadcaster ABC today, the discovered 'whale graveyard' is located on the seabed of the Diamantina Zone in the Indian Ocean near Australia. This trench, stretching 1,200 kilometers, is the deepest 'whale graveyard' ever discovered on the ocean floor and the area with the highest accumulation of whale carcasses and remains.
The 'whale graveyard' was discovered in March 2023 by the research vessel 'Tansuo-1' of the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering (IDSSE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Crew members first observed the carcasses of five whales slowly sinking into the deep sea, a process known as a 'whale fall'. Subsequently, they discovered a collection of cetacean fossils in the deep ocean.
IDSSE Deputy Director Peng Xiaotong stated that researchers used the 'Fendouzhe' manned submersible to dive to depths between 4,200 and 7,002 meters, discovering the first fossils in the Dordrecht Deep. The team conducted 33 dives with the 'Fendouzhe' to map the distribution of fossils and whale falls, recovering a total of 476 cetacean fossils.
Among the fossils discovered was a skull fragment belonging to an unknown species. Researchers have named it 'Pterocetus diamantinae'.
Giovanni Bianucci, a paleontologist from the University of Pisa involved in the study, stated that comparing it to other species revealed significant anatomical differences. He said, 'This discovery enhances our understanding of the evolutionary history of beaked whales and helps clarify how this highly specialized group evolved.'
Regarding the formation of this 'whale graveyard', several hypotheses exist. Marine biologist Song Xiaotong, who participated in the study, suggested it may be related to the Diamantina Trench being a habitat or migration route for various whale species. Other factors include the deep-sea topography of the area and whale behavior.
Song said, 'When beaked whales dive to depths below 3,000 meters, they may reach their physiological limits, increasing the risk of death from exhaustion or decompression sickness.' Additionally, the V-shaped topography of the Diamantina Trench may funnel whale carcasses to specific locations on the seabed. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150611
FAQ
Why is this whale graveyard important?
It is the world's largest, containing 5.3-million-year-old fossils and an unknown species, contributing to understanding beaked whale evolution.
Who made this discovery?
The research vessel 'Tansuo-1' and the manned submersible 'Fendouzhe' of the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering (IDSSE), Chinese Academy of Sciences.
How many fossils were discovered?
A total of 476 cetacean fossils were discovered.