This video is part of our Kite & Key Shorts series — easy to understand ... but hard to forget.
It’s dark. It’s mysterious. It’s the final frontier.
It’s ... the ocean?
Yep, that’s right.
The ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and contains around 97% of the world’s water.i
But over 80% of the ocean has never been mapped, explored, or even seen by humans.ii
In fact, we’ve mapped the surfaces of the moon and Mars more than our own ocean floor.iii
Why?
Because the ocean is so deep.
If Mount Everest was placed at the deepest point of the ocean its peak would not break the surface of the water.iv
There’s no telling what’s left to be discovered deep underwater.
Over 91% of maritime species are unidentified.v In fact, scientists think undiscovered species could be the source of new medicines that could be used for everything from pain killers to cancer treatments.vi
Mapping the ocean floor could also help us access resources critical for life on land.vii
Just one spot in the Pacific is estimated to have 25,000 tons of the rare-earth elements needed for technology like smart phones and computers.viii
And scientists estimate that there may be more rare earths in the ocean than in all the land on the planet.ix
So, the next time you go to the beach, remember there’s more down there than just seaweed and coral.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Over 80% of the ocean has never been mapped, explored, or even seen by humans.
- Over 91% of maritime species are unidentified, and scientists think many could be sources of new medicines.
- Just one spot in the Pacific is estimated to have 25,000 tons of the rare earths needed for technology like smart phones and computers.
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