Oceanographers discover 2-mile-high underwater mountain, new species -- and rare "flying spaghetti monsters" [View all]

By Kerry Breen

Updated on: August 29, 2024 / 8:56 AM EDT / CBS News



Oceanographers studying an underwater mountain range found a variety of surprises, including being able to capture footage of an incredibly rare squid species and identifying a new species of octopus.

During the 28-day expedition, researchers also spotted two Bathyphysa siphonophores, rare deep-sea marine creatures also known as "flying spaghetti monsters" because of their long, wavy tendrils.

The research project was led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The area being studied is in international waters, about 900 miles off the coast of Chile. The mountain range, the Nazca Ridge, is under consideration to be named as a "high seas marine protected area," which is meant to allow for the protection of underwater ecosystems. Just 1% of the ocean has this status, according to the High Seas Alliance.



While exploring the area with high-resolution mapping technology, researchers found a number of unique features on the mountain. The seamount itself is nearly two miles tall, the Schmidt Oceanic Institute said in a news release, meaning it's taller than Mount Olympus, covering an area of about 27 square miles. The mountain "supports a thriving deep-sea ecosystem," the institute said.

More:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/underwater-mountain-new-species-flying-spaghetti-monsters/