Scientists have discovered a deep-sea brine pool in the Gulf of Aqaba, approximately 4,000 feet below the surface. The brine pools contain water up to 10 times saltier than regular seawater and are so dense that their surface is nearly impenetrable. Despite being devoid of oxygen, they are believed to hold secrets about Earth’s ocean formation millions of years ago.
Researchers from the University of Miami, led by Sam Purkis, PhD, explored the area using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV) on a research vessel. The team found that the brine pools mimic the harsh conditions of the planet’s past, where life may have first originated.
Purkis emphasizes that these environments can help trace the limits of life on Earth and apply them to searching for life elsewhere in our solar system and beyond.
The discovery is significant as it highlights the importance of natural time capsules like brine pools, which are untouched sediment layers with few organisms thriving there. This study was published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/science/death-pool-found-below-gulf-of-aqaba