Human Interaction with Deep Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is often cited as one of the oldest and most vibrant bodies of water on the planet. It has been a focal point of human activity and commerce for millennia and its deep waters have been at the heart of this activity. For many sailors, the Mediterranean has become a symbol of peace and prosperity, but how deep is the Mediterranean actually?
For centuries, the Mediterranean has been a major shipping route for goods and services. It is surrounded by many countries in Europe and Africa, making it a vital cornerstone of maritime trade. It is well known that the Mediterranean is home to many of the world’s most valued resources such as petroleum, natural gas and minerals. Its vast depths and powerful current have made it a source of great fears, particularly among those who sail its waters.
Research suggests that the deepest point of the Mediterranean is located off the Italian coast near the Tyrrhenian Sea. This point, known as the Calypso Deep, reaches a depth of 17,280ft (5,267m). The water temperature at this point is believed to be around 4°C. Despite its immense depth, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the shallowest of the world’s oceans. This is due to the presence of mountain ranges, with the Earth’s crust rising above the sea level in many areas.
It is also believed that the area surrounding the Calypso Deep could be home to undiscovered species of marine life. So far, two species found within the vicinity of the Calypso Deep have been identified, one of which is a deep-sea fish called Malacosteus niger. The other is a species of deep-sea squid called Architeuthis dux. These are just a few of the creatures that populate the depths of the Mediterranean Sea.
The depths of the Mediterranean have also attracted various human activities. The most prominent are fishing, which has been a key source of sustenance for locals that inhabit the seaboard for centuries. With its deep waters, the Mediterranean is home to dozens of species of migratory fish, many of which have been the primary source of food and livelihoods in the past. In addition, research suggests that the depths of the Mediterranean may contain vast amounts of mineral deposits. Though much of this remains to be explored, it has been speculated that these mineral deposits could contain valuable resources such as oil and gas.
Research & Study of Mediterranean Depths
Although the Mediterranean’s deep waters hold many secrets, the amount of research and study conducted in the area remains relatively small. Due to its close proximity to potential military activity, the area is often off-limits to researchers or other marine exploration groups. The extensive depths of the Mediterranean have made it difficult to study as well. For example, state-of-the-art submersible craft can only dive a few thousand feet beneath the sea’s surface. For this reason, most of the deep sea research is conducted by remote-controlled drones.
Furthermore, great caution needs to be taken when conducting research in the area. The depths of the Mediterranean have been known to contain numerous sea-dwelling organisms that could cause great damage to any equipment used. Some of these organisms include deep-sea jellyfish, fish and even the notorious giant squid Architeuthis dux. As researchers look to further explore the mysteries of the Mediterranean depths, they must partake in extra measures of care and caution.
Impact of Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is home to abundant marine life, but scientists have raised concerns about the effects of pollution in the area. Pollution from coastal towns, as well as other human activities have led to a decrease in the health and quality of the Mediterranean’s waterways. This is especially true in regard to the area’s deeper sections.
Pollution from coastal towns and other human activities has caused higher concentrations of metal and organic pollutants throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Concentrations of these pollutants are especially high in areas near the ocean floor. As such, many deep-sea creatures have been harmed by either direct contact or ingestion. This has caused a decrease in species populations in the Mediterranean’s deepest sections.
Furthermore, the presence of pollutants in the Mediterranean’s depths has also caused an increase in ocean acidity. This, in turn, has made it difficult for vital ecosystems to remain healthy. For example, the presence of pollutants and high amounts of acidity has disrupted many important coral reef systems, effectively damaging the ocean’s food webs and limiting the amount of available food sources for marine species.
Protection & Preservation of the Mediterranean Sea
Due to these mounting concerns, many nations, research groups and other organizations have attempted to protect and preserve the Mediterranean Sea. While international treaties have been created to ensure no nation can pollute the area’s waters, the responsibility to maintain and clean the sea falls on local governments. For example, certain areas of coastal cities have enacted special policies, such as waste management, to help reduce pollution levels. Additionally, many research organizations are working to identify new methods of cleaning up the ocean’s depths.
In addition to its efforts in protection, preservation and cleaning, the Mediterranean Sea is also the focus of many scientific studies. Many of the area’s deep waters remain largely unexplored, which has inspired much scientific curiosity. As researchers continue to conduct research in the area, they hope to uncover further secrets that the Mediterranean depths hold.
Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea
Thanks to advancements in technology, the Mediterranean’s depths can now be explored in a much easier and more efficient way. Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) are especially effective in exploring the ocean floor’s deepest parts. These UUVs are equipped with advanced sonar, radar and other equipment to help identify any underwater objects. Additionally, some of these underwater vehicles have the capability to take high-resolution images and videos of the ocean floor, allowing researchers to analyze the area much easier.
Economy of Mediterranean Coast & its Deep Waters
As mentioned earlier, the Mediterranean Sea is an important source of commerce and food for many coastal towns. Its deep waters are home to numerous species of fish, which have been at the centre of international trade for many centuries. Additionally, many nations have drawn revenue from the ocean floor’s resources, such as minerals and petroleum. For this reason, protection and preservation of the area’s deep seas are heavily enforced.
The deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea have also been at the centre of various military activities. Nations have established military posts along various seaboard areas to help monitor the sea. In addition, research suggests that nations have also installed submarine barriers near certain areas of the sea. Such barriers are designed to monitor and protect certain important shipping lanes, as well as deter unwanted activity such as piracy.
Dangers of Exploring Deep Mediterranean Waters
While the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea are a source of abundant riches, they also pose a great risk. Tides and currents can be incredibly strong in some areas, making navigation difficult and unpredictable. As such, many of the area’s deep waters remain largely unexplored due to safety concerns. In addition, the presence of pollutants and harmful creatures could also put researchers or explorers at risk when attempting to explore the ocean floor’s depths.
The Mediterranean’s deep seas have captivated many oceanographers and researchers for centuries. There is much that remains to be discovered in the depths of this grand and mysterious body of water. While the area may seem treacherous at times, the promise of its great riches and the possibilities of its unexplored depths will continue to attract those who are brave enough to look beneath the surface.
