Chinese submarine discovers unprecedented ecosystem 11 km deep

A Chinese submarine sent to the Mariana Trench, the deepest region of the oceans, made it possible to observe an extreme environment that still intrigues researchers. The expedition, which took place in 2020 with the manned submarine Fendouzhe (“Effort”), reached the deepest region of the trench for China for the first time, thus consolidating the country among the nations capable of exploring the so-called “hadal”. The mission collected data on creatures living under high pressure, in an almost complete absence of light and at very low temperatures. Thanks to this, scientists have been able to compare the seabed with other environments on Earth and assess the extent to which life can adapt to conditions considered borderline.

At the same time, the mission provided relevant information on the presence of pollution at great depths. After all, fragments of plastic, remnants of fishing gear and even traces of chemical compounds derived from human activities have been identified in seafloor samples. Thus, this scenario has reinforced the perception that human impact reaches even the most remote areas of the planet, which has attracted the attention of researchers from several countries.

What did the Chinese submarine find in the Mariana Trench?

The central keyword of this theme is Chinese submarinebecause it is this vehicle that made it possible to record images and collect material in the Mariana Trench. During the mission, the equipment recorded life forms such as deep-sea fish, tiny crustaceans and gelatinous organisms that float slowly in the water column. Many of these beings have dark-adapted features, such as reduced eyes, bioluminescent organs, and flexible body structures to withstand pressure.

The Chinese research submarine also collected sediments from the seabed, including from the Challenger Deep region, believed to be the deepest point ever measured, at around 11,000 meters deep. These sediments were collected for laboratory analysis, where microorganisms were identified that survive with very little available energy. In addition, instruments installed on board measured the temperature, salinity and chemical composition of the water, helping to paint a more detailed picture of the pit.

How did the Chinese submarine record life at depth?

To document these environments, the Chinese manned submarine used highly sensitive cameras and special reflectors, capable of working in absolute darkness without completely frightening marine animals. The vehicle descended slowly, stopping at different depths to record video and take photographs of species that would be difficult to see otherwise. Many of these recordings have been compared to data from previous missions conducted in other countries, helping to create a holistic picture of deep-sea ecosystems.

In addition to the images, mechanical arms controlled by the crew collected samples of rocks, mud and small organisms. In some areas, the Chinese submarine approached the bottom to observe tracks and marks in the mud, possible signs of the movements of benthic animals. Small pieces of plastic trapped in the sediments have also been identified, a sign of the presence of marine debris even at depths of thousands of meters.

Chinese submarine in the Mariana Trench: why is the expedition important?

The shipment of Chinese submarine in the Mariana Trench has relevance on different scientific fronts. First, it expands knowledge of biodiversity in abyssal regions. By identifying new species of microorganisms and invertebrates, researchers can better understand the hidden food chains, nutrient cycles and ecological relationships that influence the balance of the oceans as a whole.

Another central point is the understanding of biological adaptation. Studying how proteins, cell membranes and bone structures withstand extreme pressures could pave the way for applications in biotechnology, medicine and industry. Compounds produced by deep-sea bacteria, for example, can be analyzed for stable enzymes, useful in industrial processes requiring high pressure or low temperature.

Do the results indicate that pollution is reaching its deepest point?

The results of the mission also strengthened the evidence that deep marine pollution it’s a reality. Microplastics were found mixed in the sediment, and chemicals associated with industrial products showed up in analyzes of collected animal tissues. This suggests that ocean currents and depositional processes transport surface-produced waste to the seafloor, where it accumulates over time.

This finding has direct implications for debates about environmental management. If the waste reaches the Mariana Trench, it means that there is virtually no ocean area completely free of contamination. The Chinese underwater expedition provides concrete data for studies on the circulation of pollutants, helping authorities and researchers evaluate policies for reducing plastic, eliminating waste and monitoring marine life at great depths.

What avenues of research open up after the Chinese mission?

Thanks to the information collected, space opens up to new avenues of study in oceanography, marine geology and deep-sea biology. Samples from the Mariana Trench can be used to study how carbon is stored in deeper layers of sediment, an important topic for understanding global climate. At the same time, the mapping of the underwater relief carried out by the Chinese submarine improves the models of earthquakes and tsunamis, this region being associated with active subduction zones.

At the same time, the technology developed for the Chinese submarine contributes to future missions, both in the Pacific and in other oceans. Navigation systems, pressure-resistant materials and high-precision sensors can be adapted to unmanned vehicles or continuous monitoring platforms. Thus, the expedition is not limited to recording specific images and data, but serves as a starting point for a more constant scientific presence in the deepest areas of the planet.

• Biological exploration: identification of new species and study of adaptations to high pressures.
• Environmental monitoring: assessment of the presence of waste and chemical substances in abyssal zones.
• Technological development: improvement of submersible vehicles and underwater sensors.
• Climate research: analysis of deep sediments linked to the carbon cycle.
• Geological studies: better understanding of plate tectonics and tsunami risks.