And for a long time, there was an impression that life in the deep sea was non-existent. We've discovered quite the contrary, that life in the deep sea may be as diverse and abundant as in shallow water or in terrestrial areas. Much of that undiscovered sea life consists of microbial organisms invisible to the naked eye. Earle notes that underwater scientists have even officially added a new kingdom to the traditional classification system of living organisms. With the backing of the Society, the seven chosen explorers will continue their research and projects.
Technological advances can help answer the question of what's left to discover.
Underwater researchers currently rely on maps created from satellite images and from acoustic data gathered by bouncing sound waves off the ocean bottom. We've been able to see where the great mountains and the great valleys and plains are at the bottom of the ocean, but we still don't know the substance of the ocean floor until we check it out. Today there are only four submersible vehicles that can take people to only half that depth. It's so ironic that we can fly overhead seven miles, having lunch and watching movies. And millions of people do that every year.