15 Deep Ocean Myths Busted by Science

The deep ocean is a place of wonder and mystery, often sparking wild stories and myths. From tales of monstrous creatures to the supposed existence of underwater civilizations, myths about the deep ocean abound. But how much of what we believe is actually true? Let’s separate fact from fiction as we explore 15 deep ocean myths that science has definitively debunked.

The Deep Ocean is Completely Dark

Sure, the ocean is dark, but it’s not pitch black. Bioluminescent creatures light up the depths like nature’s own disco. Jellyfish, plankton, and other organisms emit light through internal chemical reactions, casting a magical glow in the dark waters. Sea creatures use this natural illumination to attract prey, deter predators, and find mates. So, while it’s undoubtedly dim, the sea offers an eerie, mesmerizing light show.

Plastic Takes 450 Years to Break Down

We’ve all heard that it takes 450 years for plastic to decompose. But here’s the kicker—this statistic suggests plastic will completely decompose, whereas it often only fragments into smaller pieces. Unlike biodegradable materials, plastic undergoes photodegradation, where sunlight breaks it into tiny particles called nanoplastics. As a result, a single-use water bottle could persist on Earth indefinitely, causing damage to marine life.

Giant Squids are Just Myths

Remember those stories of colossal sea monsters attacking ships? Turns out, they weren’t entirely off the mark. Giant squids are very real, and they’re not just the stuff of legend. These elusive creatures can grow up to 40 feet long and were first captured on camera in 2004 by Japanese researchers. The downside is that their massive size and habitat make them hard to study.

There are Underwater Cities

Ideas such as those of sunken cities, like Atlantis, have captivated our imaginations for centuries, but despite numerous explorations and wild theories, no evidence supports the existence of such underwater civilizations. While ancient ruins and once-coastal cities have been submerged due to natural events like seismic activity or rising sea levels, a full-blown underwater city remains a myth.

The Deep Ocean is a Silent World

The depths are alive with sounds—the calls of whales, the clicks of dolphins, the rumblings of underwater volcanoes, and even the occasional “bloop” of an unknown origin. As opposed to a silent abyss, the ocean is more like a symphony. These sounds are vital for marine animals, serving as communication, navigation, and even hunting tools in the vast, dark expanse of the sea.

The Ocean is Uniformly Cold

While much of the ocean is cold, hydrothermal vents and underwater volcanoes create pockets of intense heat. Such thermal oases can host unique ecosystems thriving in temperatures hot enough to melt lead. The vents spew minerals that nourish specialized organisms, creating biodiverse hotspots that contrast sharply with the surrounding cold waters.

The Ocean Floor is Flat and Barren

Let’s start by tossing this image out the window because the ocean floor is a rugged landscape filled with mountains, valleys, trenches, and underwater waterfalls. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing environment teeming with life. These geological features create diverse habitats for marine life, from the trenches harboring mysterious creatures to the seamounts that serve as bustling underwater hubs of biodiversity.

Sunken Ships Always Rest on the Ocean Floor

Many people believe that sunken ships sink straight to the ocean floor and stay there undisturbed. In reality, sea currents, tectonic activity, and marine life can move, break down, or even bury shipwrecks over time. Some wrecks are found surprisingly intact, while others are scattered and eroded. Shipwrecks also become artificial reefs and provide habitat for marine organisms.

The Ocean Has Been Fully Explored

More than 80% of our seas remain unexplored. We know more about the surface of the moon than the depths of our own seas. Each new expedition brings discoveries that challenge our understanding of this vast frontier. With new species and geological formations emerging every day, the deep ocean continues to be a frontier of scientific exploration and discovery.

Deep-sea Creatures are Monstrous

Monstrous might be a bit harsh because deep-sea creatures, while sometimes bizarre, are mostly tiny and harmless. From the adorable Dumbo octopus to the alien-like anglerfish, these creatures are adapted to their environment in ways that are more fascinating than fearsome. Their strange appearances are often adaptations to the extreme conditions of the sea and not to scare humans.

Deep-Sea Exploration is Too Dangerous

With the advent of technology like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and submersibles, safety and accessibility have reached unprecedented levels. Scientists and explorers routinely dive to incredible depths to uncover its secrets. Such missions have led to groundbreaking discoveries like insights into oceanic processes.

Megalodon Sharks Still Exist

Sorry to burst your bubble—megalodon went extinct around 3.6 million years ago. While its existence is fascinating, no evidence suggests it lurks in the depths today. Fossil records and scientific research indicate that this giant predator vanished long before humans walked the Earth, leaving behind only its massive teeth as a reminder of its once-dominant presence.

All Deep-Sea Animals are Blind

Many deep-sea creatures have adapted to the low-light conditions of the sea with highly sensitive eyes or other means of sensing their environment. Some have even developed unique ways to produce their own light through bioluminescence. These adaptations allow them to navigate, find food, and avoid predators in the pitch-black environment of the ocean.

Deep-sea Fish Cannot Survive at Surface Levels

It’s true that many deep-sea fish are adapted to the high-pressure environment of the depths and can’t survive long at the surface. However, some species, like the Oarfish, can adjust to different pressure levels. The oarfish typically dwell at depths of around 3,000 feet, yet they have most frequently been observed at about 600 feet.

Whales Spray Water from their Blowhole

Here’s a fun fact: when you see a whale “spouting,” it’s not spraying water. The blowhole expels warm air from the whale’s lungs, and the mist you see is condensed water vapor. This exhalation is essential to the whale’s breathing process, allowing them to clear their respiratory system before taking a fresh breath.