24 May Unveiling the Hidden Corners of the Deep Sea: How Underwater Drones Are Changing Our Scientific Research
Some people might think that we, as humans, have mastered every corner of the Earth. However, the deep oceans under our feet still hold countless secrets. Today, the veil of this mysterious world is gradually being lifted, and underwater drones have become our “icebreaker” in exploring the deep-sea world.
Underwater drones serve as brave “explorers” in marine ecology, facing the pressure and darkness of the deep sea and reaching deep-sea areas that are difficult for humans to touch. In 2018, a breakthrough study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) used drones to penetrate 1000 meters deep into the Pacific Ocean, successfully recording marine life that humans had never witnessed before. This not only opens up our brand-new visual field but also reveals the biodiversity of the ocean, directly overthrowing the past erroneous concept of deep sea “lifelessness.”
In the field of archaeology, underwater drones have become “time travelers,” helping us unlock the secrets of ancient civilizations. The University of Southampton in the UK once used drones to find the wreckage of the Roman warship “Relitto del Pozzino” in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, giving us an unprecedented understanding of ancient maritime trade.
Underwater drones have also become our “beacon,” guiding us in the issue of global climate change. In 2015, the US Geological Survey used drones to record the erosion of the Alaskan coastline in detail. From 1985 to the present, Alaska’s coastline suffers an average encroachment of 1.4 meters per year, signaling the severity of global climate issues.
Underwater drones provide us with an “eagle’s eye view,” helping us better protect natural resources. Drones have demonstrated strong capabilities in excellently performing tasks such as water quality monitoring and marine garbage search.
Of course, the development and use of underwater drones are not plain sailing. We face a series of challenges, such as corrosion prevention, control stability, and how to avoid unknown impacts on marine ecology. Yet, hidden behind every challenge are untapped opportunities.
It’s an emerging field. As our understanding of drones deepens, there are undoubtedly more astonishing discoveries awaiting us to explore in the future. All of this is made possible because of underwater drones. We firmly believe that underwater drones will lead us to a future full of hope and opportunities.
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