62 Ocean Discoveries That Are Equal Parts Fascinating And Unsettling

The ocean covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface. And according to the National Ocean Service, about 97% of the Earth’s water can be found in the ocean. While we don’t know exactly how many species currently live under the sea, it’s estimated that 91% of them have yet to be classified. Meanwhile, more than 80% of the ocean is still unmapped and unexplored.

Basically, we have no idea what’s hiding under there. When you go surfing in California or play in the waves in Hawaii, you might encounter some turtles, some fish, and lots of seaweed. Maybe even a jellyfish if you’re unlucky. But as we can see from the photos on this list, there are countless other objects and creatures waiting to be found. 

Apparently, the ocean holds many mysteries. The BBC even published a list of some that scientists still haven’t been able to explain. The first being why orcas have been attacking great white sharks. These are two of the ocean’s most terrifying creatures, and apparently, they have some beef. 

Great white sharks have been washing up on the shores of South Africa since 2017 with grisly injuries. Meanwhile, orcas have been spotted nearby at the same time. One of their attacks was even captured on camera in 2022 when both a drone and a helicopter pilot were flying over Mossel Bay.

Another mystery about the ocean is where it came from in the first place. Scientists don’t really know why our planet is covered in water. Dr. Helena Bates, a postdoctoral researcher in meteorite science at the Natural History Museum in London, says there are two theories as to how this happened.

“The first thing is that Earth formed in a region of space where there was material like rocks and things like that, but also water in some form,” she told the BBC. “The second theory is that Earth formed in a region of space where it was too hot to have any kind of water. And the water that we have on Earth now was delivered post-formation by other bodies in the Solar System.”

Something else at the bottom of the ocean that scientists haven’t been able to get to the bottom of is the Yonaguni Monument. This is a strange rock formation off the Japanese island of Yonaguni, which was discovered by a scuba diver in 1986. The monument has unique features such as a spiral “staircase,” etchings, and stacked sandstone blocks that make some wonder if it is the remains of an ancient civilization. Others say it’s naturally formed. But no one knows the truth (yet).

Another feature of the ocean that scientists haven’t cracked the code to just yet is the strange noises coming from underwater. One sound in particular, named “The Upsweep,” was first recorded in 1991 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is said to sound something like “a wail steadily rising in pitch.” And the sound appears to be coming from somewhere between New Zealand and South America. But no one has been able to determine exactly what’s causing it yet.   

Now, if you’re feeling inspired to purchase some scuba gear and start exploring the ocean yourself, the world is your oyster. But the most important thing to keep in mind is safety. As incredible as the ocean is, it can also be extremely dangerous. So the American Red Cross recommends always swimming in a lifeguarded area. If you want to explore further out, make sure that you’re never alone, regardless of your swimming skills. And don’t push yourself physically.