Latest news with #IanMiller
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists reveal just how little of the deep ocean we've explored
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists have revealed how much of the vast deep ocean floor humankind has observed, and it's a staggeringly small amount. According to a new study published May 7 in the journal Science Advances, just 0.001% of the deep seafloor (anything below 656 feet, or 200 meters) has been explored — despite it covering about two-thirds of Earth's surface. This area is roughly equivalent to the size of Rhode Island. "There is so much of our ocean that remains a mystery," Ian Miller, chief science and innovation officer at the National Geographic Society, which contributed to the study's funding, said in a statement. Miller was not himself an author of the study. The deep ocean floor is characterized by immense pressure and near-freezing temperatures, and is home to a variety of strange and often elusive creatures. It plays a crucial role in carbon storage, and is believed to host many unknown species — some of which could be medically or scientifically valuable. Most of what we know about this seafloor is based on visual imaging from manned submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), or tow cameras tethered to ships. In the new study, researchers analyzed the proportion of deep seafloor that had been visually explored by compiling 43,681 records of deep sea dives that included optical imaging. They used two methods to estimate how much of the deep seafloor had been observed by humans, one tracking the path of vehicles along the seafloor used in each dive, and the other using time spent by the vehicle at the ocean floor. For the dive path method, they estimated that a total of 822 square miles (2,129 square kilometers) had been observed. Using the time-based method, they estimated a visual seabed coverage of 1,476 square miles (3,823 sq/km). Related: What percentage of the ocean have we mapped? The researchers concluded that over the course of all our deep sea exploration, we have only observed between 0.0006 to 0.001% of the deep seafloor since 1958. These estimates are based only upon seafloor observations from accessible records however, and the researchers note that oil and gas and telecommunication companies may have explored much more of the seafloor, but not made these records public. "As we face accelerated threats to the deep ocean — from climate change to potential mining and resource exploitation — this limited exploration of such a vast region becomes a critical problem for both science and policy," study lead author Katy Croff Bell, president of the nonprofit organization Ocean Discovery League and National Geographic Explorer, said in the statement. "We need a much better understanding of the deep ocean's ecosystems and processes to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation," she said. Additionally, they found that 65% of all these observations of the deep seafloor had been carried out within 200 nautical miles (230 miles) of the coast of the U.S., Japan, or New Zealand, and 97% of recorded deep-sea dives had been performed by only five countries: the U.S., Japan, New Zealand, France, and Germany. The researchers also noted that geomorphological features like ridges and canyons saw a disproportionate amount of exploration, compared to areas such as abyssal plains and seamounts. RELATED STORIES —Atlantic ocean currents are weakening — and it could make the climate in some regions unrecognizable —Global sea levels rose a whopping 125 feet after the last ice age —Ocean's 'heart' is slowing down — and it will affect the entire planet's circulation "If the scientific community were to make all assumptions about terrestrial ecosystems from observations of 0.001% of [the entire land area of Earth], it would equate to an assessment area … smaller than the land area of Houston," the authors wrote in the paper. The bias in areas of the ocean floor that have been explored, and by whom, further limits our understanding of the entire seafloor, the researchers added. The researchers express a need for a more global effort to explore a wider range of the ocean floor and its features in order to truly understand and protect this little-known environment. "Deep-sea exploration led by scientists and local communities is crucial to better understanding the planet's largest ecosystem," Miller said. "If we have a better understanding of our ocean, we are better able to conserve and protect it."
New York Post
09-05-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Over 99% of the deep ocean seafloor remains a mystery, study finds
Explorers know that the Earth's oceans are vast, covering about 71% of the surface of the globe. According to a new study, just 0.001% of the deep seafloor has been visually observed. The deep ocean seafloor is defined as depths of 200 meters or more below Earth's surface, where oxygen levels are low and sunlight is virtually nonexistent. The study, published in Science Advances, equates the area seen by human eyes to being even smaller than the state of Rhode Island. 'As we face accelerated threats to the deep ocean—from climate change to potential mining and resource exploitation—this limited exploration of such a vast region becomes a critical problem for both science and policy,' Katy Croff Bell, Ph.D., president of Ocean Discovery League, National Geographic Explorer and lead author of the study, said in a statement. Researchers said they arrived at the surprising figure based on a review of data from approximately 44,000 deep-sea dives conducted since 1958. 7 According to a new study, just 0.001% of the deep seafloor has been visually observed. Ocean Discovery League 7 The study, published in Science Advances, equates the area seen by human eyes to being even smaller than the state of Rhode Island. Ocean Discovery League While scientists note that not all dive records are publicly accessible, even if their estimates were off by a factor of ten, it would still mean that less than one-hundredth of 1% of the deep ocean floor has ever been visually documented. Due to the costs and the technology needed to explore at vast depths, only a few countries are equipped to scan the ocean floor. These countries include the United States, Japan, New Zealand, France, and Germany. 7 Due to the costs and the technology needed to explore at vast depths, only a few countries are equipped to scan the ocean floor. NOAA Ocean Exploration What's it like down there? In the deepest trenches, it is void of life, according to scientists. Organisms such as sea spiders and some crustaceans can be found among hydrothermal vents. Water pressure is so immense that animals unsuited to the punishing environment would be killed. Because of the lack of sunlight, organisms must rely on senses other than sight to get around. 7 In the deepest trenches, it is void of life, according to scientists. NOAA Ocean Exploration 7 Because of the lack of sunlight, organisms must rely on senses other than sight to get around. NOAA Ocean Exploration The limited knowledge of the oceans means entire ecosystems may remain undiscovered, and countless species are not well understood. 'There is so much of our ocean that remains a mystery,' said Ian Miller, Ph.D., chief science and innovation officer at the National Geographic Society. 'Deep-sea exploration led by scientists and local communities is crucial to better understanding the planet's largest ecosystem. Dr. Bell's goals to equip global coastal communities with cutting-edge research and technology will ensure a more representative analysis of the deep sea. If we have a better understanding of our ocean, we are better able to conserve and protect it.' 7 Previous studies have suggested that potentially millions of plants and animals remain undiscovered simply due to the sheer size and inaccessibility of the oceans. NOAA Ocean Exploration 7 The limited knowledge of the oceans means entire ecosystems may remain undiscovered, and countless species are not well understood. NOAA Ocean Exploration Previous studies have suggested that potentially millions of plants and animals remain undiscovered simply due to the sheer size and inaccessibility of the oceans. The study's authors argue that as technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, expanding efforts to explore the vast ecosystem become increasingly feasible and necessary. By investing in emerging tools and strategies, researchers believe the world can gain a much deeper understanding of Earth's most critical and least known ecosystem.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Deep ocean mystery: Just 0.001% of deep ocean seafloor has been visually explored
Explorers all well know that the Earth's oceans are vast – covering about 71% of the surface of the globe – but according to a new study, just 0.001% of the deep seafloor has been visually observed. The deep ocean seafloor is defined as depths of 200 meters or more below Earth's surface, where oxygen levels are low and sunlight is virtually nonexistent. The study, published in Science Advances, equates the area seen by human eyes to measuring in size to being even smaller than the state of Rhode Island. "As we face accelerated threats to the deep ocean—from climate change to potential mining and resource exploitation—this limited exploration of such a vast region becomes a critical problem for both science and policy," Dr. Katy Croff Bell, president of Ocean Discovery League, National Geographic Explorer and lead author of the study, said in a statement. Noaa Mission Finds Unexpected Discovery At Site Of Sunken Uss Yorktown Researchers said they arrived at the surprising figure based on a review of data from approximately 44,000 deep-sea dives conducted since 1958. While scientists note that not all dive records are publicly accessible, even if their estimates were off by a factor of ten, it would still mean that less than one-hundredth of 1% of the deep ocean floor has ever been visually documented. Due to the costs and the technology needed to explore at vast depths, only a few countries are equipped to scan the ocean floor, which primarily includes the United States, Japan, New Zealand, France and Germany. So, what's life like on the ocean floor? In the deepest trenches, it is void of life, with organisms such as seaspiders and some crustaceans found among the hydrothermal vents. The water pressure is so immense that a non-suited organism would be crushed and, because of the lack of sunlight, organisms must rely on senses other than sight to get around. The limited knowledge of the oceans means entire ecosystems may remain undiscovered, and countless species are not well understood. "There is so much of our ocean that remains a mystery," said Dr. Ian Miller, chief science and innovation officer at the National Geographic Society. "Deep-sea exploration led by scientists and local communities is crucial to better understanding the planet's largest ecosystem. Dr. Bell's goals to equip global coastal communities with cutting-edge research and technology will ensure a more representative analysis of the deep sea. If we have a better understanding of our ocean, we are better able to conserve and protect it." Previous studies have suggested that potentially millions of plants and animals remain undiscovered simply due to the sheer size and inaccessibility of the oceans. War Trophy From George Washington's Army Discovered Amid British Shipwreck The study's authors argue that as technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, expanding efforts to explore the vast ecosystem become increasingly feasible and necessary. By investing in emerging tools and strategies, researchers believe the world can gain a much deeper understanding of Earth's most critical and least known article source: Deep ocean mystery: Just 0.001% of deep ocean seafloor has been visually explored
Associated Press
11-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
MCT Reports 28% Increase in Mortgage Lock Volume Heading into Spring Season
SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, today announced a 27.91% increase in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Industry professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to download the full report for a detailed analysis. The increase in volume follows the typical seasonal pattern, rebounding from the December and January winter lull. As the housing market transitions into the Spring homebuying season, this positive movement suggests improving market activity. However, recent trends indicate that total volume may rise further in March and April before tapering off as early-season buyers finalize their purchases, leading to decreased demand in the deeper summer months. External economic factors also remain a key area of focus. The potential impact of tariffs and possible retaliatory trade measures could introduce volatility into the broader economy, which may, in turn, affect mortgage rates. Market participants are watching these developments closely as they navigate lending and investment decisions. Andrew Rhodes, Senior Director and Head of Trading at MCT, shared his perspective on the current financial landscape: 'The expectation is that the Federal Reserve will likely hold the line on rates in March and May, with markets anticipating a likely rate cut in June. Economic performance given impending tariffs, Nonfarm Payroll, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will continue to be the biggest factors influencing rate decisions as we move into the summer months.' As mortgage lenders and capital markets participants prepare for evolving conditions, MCT remains committed to delivering expert guidance and data-driven insights. For a more in-depth look at market dynamics, industry professionals can access the full report on MCT's website. About MCT: For over two decades, MCT has been a leading source of innovation for the mortgage secondary market. Melding deep subject matter expertise with a passion for emerging technologies and clients, MCT is the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology. From architecting modern best execution loan sales to launching the most successful and advanced marketplace for mortgage-related assets, lenders, investors, and network partners all benefit from MCT's stewardship. MCT's technology and know-how continue to revolutionize how mortgage assets are priced, locked, hedged, traded, and valued – offering clients the tools to perform under any market condition. For more information, visit or call (619) 543-5111. MEDIA CONTACT: Ian Miller Chief Marketing Officer Mortgage Capital Trading 619-618-7855 [email protected] NEWS SOURCE: Mortgage Capital Trading Inc. Keywords: Mortgage, Mortgage Capital Trading Inc, MCT, mortgage capital markets technology, mortgage lock volume, SAN DIEGO, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Mortgage Capital Trading Inc.) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P124651 APNF0325A
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Famous faces at Farage conference as locals claim to be 'disenfranchised'
A Reform UK conference being hosted in Trowbridge has divided the town, as protestors came out in force while attendees waited eagerly for Farage. The conference, which started at 3pm at Trowbridge's Civic Centre, saw several famous faces attend, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, MP Richard Tice, who is deputy leader of Reform UK, Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf, and Ann Widdicombe, who is Reform UK's Immigration and Justice spokesperson. Waiting to see the famous Reform party members outside the Civic Hall, attendees told the Wiltshire Times that they felt "disenfranchised" with the current UK Government. Elizabeth and Ian Miller (Image: Newsquest) Elizabeth and Ian Miller, two of the residents attending, said they were 'disappointed and disillusioned with the Conservatives'. They've recently joined Reform UK and say they are in sympathy with their policies on immigration, inheritance tax, and defence. Protestors continue to gather outside the Civic Centre in Trowbridge. The 450 capacity venue is sold out for Reform UK's Wiltshire Conference — Jamie Singleton (@JamieSi41376229) February 9, 2025 Other attendees pointed out that the Wiltshire conference was particularly significant, with Reform UK hitting new highs and topping YouGov's Westminster voting intention poll with 25 per cent of respondents saying they would vote for the party. But protestors who held banners outside the sold out venue had different ideas. Banners were painted with messages such as "love not fear" and "where is the love", while chants of "free, free Palestine" were heard across the town.
