Scientists discover a deep whale graveyard that is teeming with life
This undated image provided by Peng Zhou shows whale remains on the seafloor that have become home to large communities of marine life, southeastern Indian Ocean, in the Diamantina Fracture Zone. (Global TREnD, IDSSE via AP)
NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists have unearthed communities of marine life — including jellyfish, tubeworms and brittle stars — thriving on a millions-year-old whale graveyard.
These graveyards form when whale carcasses fall to the sea floor, becoming a sustaining snack for nearby critters. This one, located up to 23,000 feet (7 kilometers) below the surface of the southeastern Indian Ocean, spans the largest area and is so far the deepest and oldest found.
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