Scientists Discover Deep-Sea Coral Reef Hiding Off South Carolina Coast
OutdoorHub Reporters 08.28.18
South Carolina is rich with history within its pre-Colonial grounds, but scientists just discovered a deep-sea coral reef system off the city’s coast that has been hiding for thousands of years. The chief scientist who assisted in the discovery called it unbelievable.
Today, experts claim to know very little about the natural resources that lay in the deep ocean off the United States’ Southeast coast, so Deep Search 2018 was formed to try and solve those mysteries. The project consisted of a 15-day voyage aboard the research vessel Atlantis, with scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and the US Geological Survey, WKBW reports.
After performing a couple dives, the team came across a mind-blowing discovery: a massive coral reef which researchers estimate to be at least 85 miles long.
“This is a huge feature,” expedition chief scientist Dr. Erik Cordes said. “It’s incredible that it stayed hidden off the U.S. East Coast for so long.”
Cordes says the hidden ecosystem is an impressive sight, with “mountains” of corals perfect for underwater critters to call home.
