Dark Depths
If thinking about what lurks in the ocean sends a chill down your spine, you're not alone. While it might look gorgeous and serene on the surface, there's a lot that's still unknown about what hides in the ocean's depths. Here are five terrifying facts about the deep sea that prove it's as mysterious as it is dangerous.
1. It's Full of Black Holes
You might think black holes only exist in space, but before you jump into the ocean for a swim, just know that large bodies of water contain strong vortices that can also suck you in. Known as eddies, these powerful currents trap anything that gets pulled in and can devour anything in their paths.
2. Almost Entirely Unexplored
Earth is 71% water, and of all the oceans that exist, many of them remain unexplored. In fact, over 80% of the sea is yet to be mapped out, which means we know a lot more about what's lurking in our solar system than what's in the water.
3. Total Darkness
On the surface, the ocean might look gorgeous and serene, but below 600 feet, everything is shrouded in total darkness. Sunlight can penetrate that deep, so only creatures that are bioluminescent can provide any source of light.
4. The Ocean Is a Cemetery
It's sad and terrifying to think about, but the ocean is a cemetery. In the US, there's an average of 10 people drowning per day. The remains of some shipwrecks and plane accidents also lie forever on the ocean floor, too deep for anyone to ever find.
5. Unknown Creatures & Predators
It's not just sharks you should be afraid of—the ocean is full of unknown creatures and predators, and scientists are always discovering terrifying new species. Plus, with much of the ocean still unexplored, who knows what's lurking down there?