The breaking of an iceberg off the coasts of Antarctica has revealed an ocean stretch that has not seen daylight in years. Scientists, not very hopeful about what they would find, were amazed by their discovery. Researchers who found a new ecosystem on the untouched seabed believe they will be able to identify dozens of new species on this historic discovery expedition. How is so much life thriving under so much ice? About 30 kilometers long, a massive iceberg broke off while researchers were working on the coasts of Antarctica, revealing a stretch of ocean that had been in darkness for decades.

The team aboard a research vessel named Falkor decided to explore the newly emerged seabed. No research team had previously ventured to discover the deep sea there. Expectations were not high as the research began. Scientists did not think that much life could thrive under such a thick layer of ice. However, what they found under the iceberg surprised them: giant sea spiders, octopuses, ice fish, corals, and sponges.

Among them was a species shaped like a vase that could be hundreds of years old. Researchers believe they will identify dozens of new species on the discovery expedition.
Esquete, a researcher at the University of Aveiro in Portugal, said, “We were truly astonished and amazed by the rich ecosystems we found there.” The discovery provides an important foundation for understanding how deep-sea life can change on a warming planet. The great mystery off the coast of Antarctica encompasses the entire ecosystem: How is so much life thriving under so much ice? Throughout the month-long discovery expedition, researchers used a remote-controlled device to take photographs and collect samples.

Potential new species for science include crustaceans, sea snails, worms, and fish. Months of laboratory analysis will be needed to confirm the discovery of any new species.