Scientists discover a ‘Yellow Brick Road’ on Pacific Ocean floor
eterocentrotus mamillatus) at PMNM. (US Fish & Wildlife Service – Pacific Region’s/CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons)Researchers from the Ocean Exploration Trust are exploring this vast underwater wilderness, which lies at a depth of more than 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) below the ocean’s surface, and the exciting part is that anyone can witness the exploration.
A video showcasing highlights from the expedition, published on YouTube in April 2022, captured the moment when researchers aboard the deep-sea vehicle stumbled upon what they dubbed the road to Oz. A researcher’s voice on the radio expressed their excitement, referring to it as the “road to Atlantis,” while another voice questioned if it was a yellow brick road. The team was bewildered by their unusual find.
Despite being submerged under approximately a kilometer of ocean water, the lakebed discovered atop the Nootka seamount appeared incredibly dry. The ground resembled a “baked crust” that could be peeled off, according to the team’s observations via radio communication. In one section, the volcanic rock had fractured in a way that resembled bricks, a pattern likely caused by heating and cooling stress from numerous volcanic eruptions in the area.
At first glance, the peculiar formation could be mistaken for a pathway to a fantastical new world. In a sense, that perception isn’t entirely inaccurate. Following this so-called brick road signifies progress towards unveiling more about the Earth’s hidden geology.
The discovery of this ‘yellow brick road’ has opened up a realm of possibilities for researchers exploring the Pacific Ocean’s depths. The site, situated at the Liliʻuokalani ridge within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a massive marine conservation area, offers a glimpse into Earth’s mysterious past and geological processes. Despite humans’ limited exploration of the ocean floor, this discovery underscores the vast potential for uncovering ancient secrets hidden beneath the waves.
Overall, the peculiar nature of this ancient lake bed and its resemblance to a familiar storybook path has captivated researchers and the public alike. The exploration of such enigmatic sites continues to intrigue scientists and ocean enthusiasts, offering a window into the Earth’s past and the untold stories that lie beneath the ocean’s surface. The ‘yellow brick road’ discovered in the Pacific Ocean serves as a reminder of the mysteries waiting to be unraveled in the depths of our planet’s seas.