There’s a world here on Earth that might just be the final frontier, despite what Captain Kirk might say.
The deep ocean holds secrets, animals as well as other natural and some man-made things not seen until just recently.
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is bringing all that to the surface with “Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss.” The latest special exhibition at the Philadelphia museum runs through July 24.
“These days you need to go deep to discover something never before seen in the history of life on Earth,” said Mark Sabaj, PhD, collection manager of fishes at the Academy of Natural Sciences. “Paleontologists do this by searching rocks in deep time. Oceanographers do this by searching the depths of our oceans. What they have found is truly new to human eyes and provides unique insights into evolution and biodiversity.”
Some of the newly discovered life things like rat fish and giant tubeworms.
“These fish live in deep ocean depths, below 1,000 meters,” Sabaj said. “The deep ocean is earth’s last frontier. It’s a place nobody has ever been and it’s a place people go to explore. There are so many places in the the deep ocean we haven’t been to yet.”
Among the more than 500 newly discovered species at the deepest depths are five-feet long tubeworms with bright red heads and giant white clams the size of dinner plates.
Museum visitors will see these and learn about the geological forces deep within the earth and how superheated water erupting from deep vents supports all kinds of life forms. The sun doesn’t penetrate the water at these depths, yet seafloor inhabitants thrive in total darkness thanks to a unique life support system.
Some parts of the exhibit are familiar. Like a model of the sunken Titanic and the German war ship the Bismark. Some of the exhibits are downright scary looking, like the rat fish or the vampire squid.
“Our ocean is facing its biggest threat in history due to degrading ecosystems. Yet its water contains life that helps us breathe, provides food for billions of people, and absorbs heat from the sun which helps regulate our climate,” said Academy President and CEO Scott Cooper. “As the Academy and Drexel University celebrate Water Year in 2022, I hope everyone will gain a deeper understanding of our vital ocean and help protect it for future generations.”
Among the interactive exhibits as part of “Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss,” visitors get a chance at:
- Testing skills at manipulating a robotic arm of a replica of the submersible Alvin to pick up lava rocks and clams similar to what scientists do to gather samples of creatures from the ocean floor.
- Flying a remotely operated vehicle over a model of the deck of the Titanic.
- Seeing how currents created by superheated water erupting from thermal vents carry nutrients that support life forms few ever dreamed existed.
- Examining scientific specimens from the Academy’s collection that have a story to tell about their deep-sea origins. Specimens include crinoids, charismatic shrimp, anglerfish, ghosties and assfish.
- Reading ocean-themed books for all ages in the book nook decorated with an octopus lamp loaned by a local artist and Alvin’s family photos.
- Enjoying a video experience that reveals how deep the ocean is compared to Philadelphia City Hall.
“This year the academy and Drexel have come together to make 2022, water year,” said Marina McDougall, the Vice President of Experience and Engagement at the museum. “This exhibition is part of it. Water year will provide a fresh perspective on our ecologies. It will inspire us to work together to ensure clean and healthy water.”
Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss
- Runs through Sunday, July 24 at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Members-only Hour Daily: 9–10 a.m.
- Admission: Adults (Age 13 and above): $22 ($20 online); Children (Age 2 – 12): $18 ($16 online)
Source: Berkshire mont
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