Latest news with #deepseaexploration
Sustainability Times
18 hours ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
The US Is on High Alert After "Steel Jaws Slice Through Lifelines" as China's Colossal Cable Cutter Endangers 95% of World Connections
IN A NUTSHELL 🔧 China introduces a cable-cutting device capable of operating at depths of up to 13,000 feet. capable of operating at depths of up to 13,000 feet. 🌍 Concerns arise over the dual-use potential of the device, impacting global communication and security. of the device, impacting global communication and security. 🚢 China's expansion in undersea technology enhances its strategic capabilities in oceanic infrastructure. enhances its strategic capabilities in oceanic infrastructure. 🤔 The global community faces the challenge of balancing technological advancement with international cooperation. In recent years, technological advancements have revolutionized deep-sea exploration and operations, bringing about significant changes to global communication and military strategies. China's introduction of a cutting-edge device capable of severing undersea cables at unprecedented depths has attracted international scrutiny. This innovation, designed for use with advanced submersibles, has the capacity to impact 95% of the world's data transmission. While the potential benefits of this technology are immense, so too are the risks. As countries grapple with these implications, the global community is keen to understand the full scope of this technological breakthrough. China's Pioneering Deep-Sea Technology China has unveiled a revolutionary cable-cutting device capable of operating at depths of up to 13,000 feet. This remarkable achievement is a result of efforts by the China Ship Scientific Research Centre, which has developed the tool for use with its state-of-the-art submersibles. These include both crewed and uncrewed models, such as the Fendouzhe and Haidou series, which are integral to maintaining global communication networks. The cables targeted by this device are armored with robust materials like steel and polymers, which are essential for carrying 95% of the world's communication data. The device employs a diamond-coated grinding wheel that rotates at 1,600 rpm, a mechanism that effectively breaks down steel cables while keeping ocean sediment undisturbed. Its construction features a titanium alloy shell and oil-compensated seals, allowing it to withstand the immense pressures found at such depths. Controlled by robotic arms, the device uses advanced positioning systems to ensure precision, even in low-visibility conditions. This innovation not only marks a milestone in engineering but also raises critical questions about its global security implications. Ancient Arctic Forest Discovery Has Experts Saying 'Ice Kept It Perfect' As Hidden Ecosystem Reveals Clues To Past Global Climate Change Global Security and Communication Risks Although the device was initially designed for civilian applications, such as salvage and seabed mining, its dual-use potential has sparked significant concern worldwide. The ability to disrupt cables in strategic locations like Guam could severely impact global communications, exposing vulnerabilities in existing infrastructures. Such a capability could lead to geopolitical tensions, particularly if the device were utilized in military operations. Reports have highlighted its potential to sever cables near vital U.S. defense zones, emphasizing the geopolitical stakes involved. The engineering team, led by Hu Haolong, has overcome numerous challenges to ensure the device's effectiveness at great depths, where water pressure is intense. The tool's 1-kilowatt motor, along with an 8:1 gear reducer, balances power with efficiency, though careful management is necessary to prevent overheating during extended use. These technical achievements have been documented in peer-reviewed studies, underscoring the device's potential impact on global communication networks and security. 'They Built Ocean-Ready Boats 40,000 Years Ago': Archaeologists Find Ancient Philippine Tools Proving Early Humans Mastered Deep-Sea Voyages Strategic Expansion of China's Undersea Capabilities China's advancements in undersea technology are part of a broader ambition to enhance its oceanic infrastructure and influence. With the largest fleet of submersibles globally, China is poised to access extensive oceanic regions. The new cable-cutting device, which can operate from stealthy unmanned platforms, could be used to exploit strategic bottlenecks without detection, providing China with significant tactical advantages. While Chinese scientists assert that the tool supports 'marine resource development,' its potential military applications cannot be overlooked. The device has demonstrated the capability to cut through 2.4-inch-thick cables in trials, showcasing its utility for resource extraction. However, the dual-use nature of this technology highlights the complex interplay between civilian and military applications, as evidenced by recent incidents involving seabed natural gas pipelines. 'Watched wrinkles vanish after one transfusion': Shocking New Study Backs Vampire Theory on Young Blood Reversing Aging Skin Implications for Future Communication Infrastructure As China continues to enhance its undersea technology, the global community must consider the broader implications for communication infrastructure and international security. The capability to cut cables at unprecedented depths presents both opportunities for technological advancement and risks of significant disruption. Navigating these challenges requires international collaboration and dialogue to ensure that technological progress contributes to global stability rather than conflict. The introduction of this deep-sea cable cutter raises important questions about the future of undersea communication and security. As the world moves forward, nations must contemplate: How can technological advancements be balanced with the imperative for global cooperation and security? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (21)
France 24
02-08-2025
- Science
- France 24
Patrick Star and 'Drag Queen' crab: underwater robot live stream captivates Argentines
The Argentine-American scientific mission is for the first time exploring the Mar del Plata canyon, a submarine gorge which plunges nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) deep, off the coast of the seaside resort of the same name. The awed conversations between scientists leading the expedition and the explanations they give to viewers allow the public a rare insight into the hidden wonders of marine biology. In one instance, the camera on the SuBastian underwater robot shows a weird-looking, little white animal. One of the scientists on the team can be heard asking her colleagues, "Do we want it?" "Yes, yes, we want it!" reply dozens of messages in the live stream chat before the image shows the suction device being activated to suck up the specimen for study. "Oh, I love these little creatures," says one user. "I'm obsessed!" comments another. "Don't take the little one away!" pleads a third. The live stream began a week ago and exceeded one million views per day since Thursday, when it also began to be broadcast on television. "There are cold-water corals with the same colors as those in the Caribbean. How can that be? At a depth of 3,000 meters!" Pablo Penchaszadeh, a marine biologist and painter who is on board the expedition as an artist, told AFP. Patrick Star The 20-day expedition "Underwater Oases of the Mar del Plata Canyon" involves 25 scientists -- most of them from the Argentine research agency CONICET. Part of the GEMPA deep sea study group, with support from the US Schmidt Ocean Institute, it will end on August 10. Aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's "Falkor (too)" ship, scientists remotely operate the robot, which can descend to a depth of 4,500 meters (14,700 feet). They collect biological samples with its robotic arms and other instruments, and send back high-definition images. "The fact that anyone can connect from home and see what we are seeing live is a unique opportunity," explains expedition leader Daniel Lauretta in a statement. "Science is no longer something distant or inaccessible, but becomes part of everyday life." This week, social media users were delighted when an orange starfish with two symmetrical bumps resembling buttocks appeared on the live stream. It quickly prompted comparisons with Patrick Star, from the popular animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. Memes circulated joking that "Patrick is Argentine," marine biology became a trending topic on social media, and the broadcast reached the screens of hundreds of thousands of captivated viewers. "I came to see the big-bottomed star, is it here?" asked one user upon entering the YouTube chat. Spectators also gave other sea creatures nicknames: a king crab was dubbed "Drag Queen," and sea cucumber was fondly called "Sweet Potato." 'Beacon of light' This is the first time that human eyes -- albeit remotely -- have seen this underwater oasis in real time, where the cold, nutrient-rich Malvinas current and warm, salty Brazil current converge. The confluence is "one of the most energetic regions in our global Ocean," according to the website of the Schmidt Institute, with the temperature difference creating an area teeming with marine wildlife and flora. "We are already seeing incredible things: animals that have never been recorded in this area, underwater landscapes that look like something from another planet, and behaviors that surprise even the most experienced scientists," said Lauretta. But funding for such expeditions is under threat in Argentina. CONICET, the government's scientific research arm, has been severely underfunded by libertarian President Javier Milei, who has implemented draconian cuts to public spending with his infamous "chainsaw." Its budget fell by 21 percent last year, salaries have plummeted by 35 percent since the Milei took office in December 2023, and the cuts have led to an exodus of scientists. As a result, in between "oohs" and "aahs" of wonder, messages of support are flooding the live stream's chat: "Long live Conicet!". "Seeing people being passionate about their job is attractive," said Tomas Atilio Luppi, a biologist at the CONICET-affiliated marine and coastal research institute in Mar del Plata, who is not directly involved in the campaign. "This is happening at a very difficult time," he told AFP of the popular broadcast. "Science is in a very complicated position, both financially and in terms of support and human resources." "The fact that this craze is happening is like a beacon of light."
South China Morning Post
30-06-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China steps up deep-sea science role with UN-backed oceans exploration project
A China-led international deep-sea cooperative exploration project has won United Nations approval, paving the way for Beijing's increased participation in global science and technology governance. Advertisement The Global Hadal Exploration Programme (GHEP) aims to penetrate the mysteries of the deepest waters, in response to the UN goal of protecting and sustainably developing the oceans. The multi-country initiative, spearheaded by the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was selected earlier this month for inclusion in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which runs from 2021 to 2030. Under the Ocean Decade framework, a global abyssal research centre will be established to run annual crewed expeditions into the hadal zone, which lies within the oceanic trenches, and provide regular public reports, according to a CAS release on June 18. Rui Bao, professor of deep-sea science at the Ocean University of China, said the GHEP programme 'serves our national marine science development and strategy'. Advertisement 'Its endorsement by the UN Ocean Decade reflects China's increasing leadership and influence within the specialised field of global deep-sea exploration,' he said.
Arab News
13-06-2025
- Science
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia's OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation
RIYADH: As the curtains closed on this year's UN Ocean Conference in the French city of Nice, the Saudi-led foundation OceanQuest emerged as one of the standout contributors to marine sustainability — not only in policy circles but also in the depths of the world's oceans. Fresh from its pioneering Around Africa Expedition, OceanQuest, in partnership with OceanX, brought remarkable scientific discoveries and a powerful message to UNOC — that true marine conservation must combine exploration, collaboration, and education. 'This expedition went around Africa and engaged on-ship around 16 African scientists and more than 200 port stops,' Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, told Arab News. From surveying megafauna by helicopter to exploring seamounts more than 1,000 meters beneath the surface aboard the OceanXplorer, the team used cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity to illuminate previously uncharted ecosystems. OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit incubated at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. It is rapidly becoming a key player in the global marine science arena, dedicated to deep-sea exploration, design innovation, and cross-border collaboration. • OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit focused on deep-sea exploration and global collaborations in marine science. • The foundation emphasizes human-centered approaches to conservation by training African scientists and educators. • Discoveries on its Around Africa Expedition include new seamounts vital for biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. One of its flagship missions — the Around Africa Expedition — offered not only new data but a model of inclusive, equitable marine science. Using robotic vehicles, manned submersibles, and remote sensing tools, the team made multiple dives during the mission. In total, they spent 53 hours underwater, collected nearly 90 samples, and mapped thousands of square kilometers of the seabed, including around the Nola Seamounts and Santo Antao Island. Flights over 922 nautical miles provided additional data on large marine animals. Among the major outcomes was the identification of new underwater seamounts, crucial for fisheries and marine biodiversity. 'We will be the ones who go to seamount systems and explore what is there, look at the species, look at the functions and understanding, then share that with the community, to provide reasons why certain seamounts should be protected,' said Visbeck. This insight is critical as countries consider the ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty — formally the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement — a major focus at UNOC. 'Biodiversity protection beyond national jurisdiction means the protected areas in the high seas, outside of a country's own legal role,' said Visbeck. OceanQuest's approach is not just technical — it is human-centered. Working alongside top African entities such as the National Research Foundation, the University of Cape Town, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the expedition helped build capacity for African marine science. Twenty-four early-career professionals from across the continent were trained in seafloor mapping, environmental DNA analysis, and deep-sea sampling. 'This wasn't just about what we discovered in the ocean. It was also about who we empowered on the ground,' said Visbeck. 'By investing in people — students, young professionals and educators — we're building a foundation for Africa's long-term leadership in ocean science.' This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field) He sees this collaborative model as a roadmap for future conservation. 'These collaborations are the future of ocean science in Africa,' he said. 'We've seen what's possible when scientists, governments and regional institutions align behind a common purpose, advancing knowledge, access and opportunity.' This year's UNOC provided the perfect platform for OceanQuest to share these achievements and ambitions. 'I decided that it would be amazing to celebrate and launch OceanQuest and share with the ocean world our arrival on the scene at UNOC,' said Visbeck. 'We are using UNOC to celebrate with our partners, friends and ocean-policy people on the scene and share with them our mission and vision.' In a time of mounting ocean crises — from plastic pollution to overfishing and climate change — Visbeck says awareness is a powerful tool. 'What we are trying to do is fight ignorance by providing data and information. Once the information is more clear, it can be a basis for regulatory agencies.' From the Red Sea to the high seas, OceanQuest is helping reframe the future of ocean conservation — not just by mapping the seafloor, but by drawing a new map for global cooperation.
Japan Times
13-05-2025
- Science
- Japan Times
Japan unveils new deep-sea probe for 8,000-meter dives
The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, or JAMSTEC, unveiled on Monday a deep-sea explorer capable of reaching a depth of 8,000 meters, the most capable of such probes that the country has. The explorer, Urashima 8000, is an improved version of the Urashima vehicle, which can dive to a depth of 3,500 meters. Researchers hope that detailed study of the topography of the seabed such as around the Japan Trench can help uncover the mechanism behind the occurrence of giant earthquakes. The Urashima is an autonomous probe under development since 1998. It can navigate without a crew on board by following a route entered into a built-in computer and can avoid obstacles by itself. It was used to study landslides and volcanoes on the seabed. The Urashima 8000 is 10.7 meters long and weighs 7 tons. The design of the previous version of the probe was refined so that equipment on board can withstand the water pressure at 8,000 meters below sea level, while the propeller was modified to enable faster diving. According to JAMSTEC, the Urashima 8000 has reached a depth of about 6,600 meters so far in test dives. It is slated to dive to a depth of 8,000 meters in the Japan Trench off the Boso Peninsula in eastern Japan in July. In November, the probe will conduct a survey of the sea area where the magnitude 9.0 Great East Japan Earthquake occurred in March 2011. It is set to begin full-scale operations in fiscal 2026.
