The ocean covers 71% of our planet, yet we’ve only explored a mere five percent. While this might seem like a staggering fact, it’s not uncommon for people to still be wary of the deep sea and its creatures.
A recent video from BBC Earth has shed light on a phenomenon known as brinicles, which are essentially “ice fingers” that grow from blocks of sea ice and freeze marine life in their path. These formations can only be found in polar regions and have deadly consequences for any creature that gets too close.
So, how do brinicles form? When sea ice cracks, it releases brine into the ocean, which is denser than seawater. As this brine sinks, it freezes the surrounding water, creating a tube of ice that can grow down towards the ocean floor. This process is made even more deadly by the stark temperature difference between the surface and deep-sea environments.
The conditions required for brinicles to form are extremely specific, making them a rare observation. However, when they do appear, they can be quite dramatic, as one YouTube commenter aptly put it: “This looked like a scene from a sci-fi/horror film.”
For those planning to venture into the deep sea in Antarctica, this is your warning. Brinicles are not something to be trifled with, and their formation is a stark reminder of the unknown dangers that lie beneath the surface of our oceans.
Source: https://www.ladbible.com/community/weird/brinicle-ocean-sea-ice-antarctica-481893-20250221