Scientists Discover Massive Cold-Water Coral Reef System Off Argentina
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A team led by Temple University biologist Erik Cordes has discovered a previously undocumented cold-water coral reef system stretching 900 kilometers along Argentina's coast. The expeditions, conducted by the Schmidt Ocean Institute in 2025 and 2026, mapped the area and identified coral mounds, one of which is nearly the size of Vatican City.
Facts First
- A 900-kilometer cold-water coral reef system was discovered in Argentina's territorial waters.
- The Schmidt Ocean Institute conducted two expeditions in 2025 and 2026 aboard the R/V Falkor (too).
- One identified coral mound is nearly the size of Vatican City, covering 0.4 square kilometers.
- The reef system is located approximately 1,000 meters below the ocean surface.
- The expeditions mapped 900 km of the area and identified multiple coral mounds.
What Happened
Biologist Erik Cordes from Temple University led a team on two expeditions aboard the research ship R/V Falkor (too), mounted by the Schmidt Ocean Institute. The team explored and mapped a previously undocumented cold-water coral reef system along a 900-kilometer stretch of Argentina’s territorial waters, located about 1,000 meters below the ocean surface. They identified multiple coral mounds, underwater hills made of coral skeletons topped by living coral that take thousands or millions of years to form. One mound stretched over an area of 0.4 square kilometers, nearly the size of Vatican City.
Why this Matters to You
This discovery expands the known map of deep-sea ecosystems, which are critical for marine biodiversity and ocean health. Understanding these vast, ancient structures could lead to better global conservation strategies for the deep ocean, a region that influences climate regulation and supports fisheries. The mapping effort by the Schmidt Ocean Institute provides a foundational dataset that may guide future scientific research and international marine policy.
What's Next
The detailed mapping and identification of coral mounds provide a baseline for further scientific study. Researchers may now investigate the reef's specific biodiversity, its role in the local marine ecosystem, and its resilience to environmental changes. This discovery could prompt additional international expeditions to explore and protect similar deep-sea habitats.