Oceanographers have discovered an underwater mountain higher than Olympus: "spaghetti monsters" and a rare squid were swimming nearby. Impressive photos and videos

Oceanographers have found an underwater mountain 3,109 meters high, which is higher than Mount Olympus (2,917 meters) and four times higher than the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai (830 meters). Near the amazing find, researchers saw a rare squid and other unknown marine creatures.

The mysterious mountain is located in the Pacific Ocean, 1448 kilometers from the coast of Chile, and covers an area of about 70 square kilometers. It is part of an underwater mountain range where sponge gardens, ancient corals, and rare marine species grow, which scientists managed to film for the first time, CNN writes.

A team of scientists led by the Schmidt Institute of Oceanography studied the region with the research vessel R/V Falkor during a 28-day expedition. The researchers mapped the mountain using a hydroacoustic system under the ship's hull.

"The sound waves go down and bounce off the surface and we measure the time it takes to come back and get a measurement. From this, we get a really good idea of the underwater topography. This is important because at the moment only about 26% of the seafloor is mapped at this resolution. And the seabed covers 71% of the surface of our planet," said Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Institute.

Oceanographers estimate that there are at least 100,000 seamounts worldwide that are over 1000 meters high. They provide important habitat for a variety of species.

Rare squid, ghost octopus, and spaghetti monsters

Using an underwater robot, the team explored one of the mountain ranges, finding a region rich in marine biodiversity.

Researchers have filmed a ghostly white octopus, named Casper. This is the first time this living mollusk has been spotted in the South Pacific.

"This octopus has never been caught before, so it doesn't have a scientific name yet," said Jyotika Virmani.

The scientists also spotted two rare Bathyphysa siphonophores, known as flying spaghetti monsters because of their string-like appearance.

The team of scientists also recorded the first footage of the live squid Promachoteuthis, known only from a few collected specimens.

Two previous expeditions in January and February to this region of the Pacific Ocean cataloged 150 previously unknown species. During the latest expedition, another 20 discoveries were collected.

"During the three expeditions, we were able to map and explore 25 seamounts, which is a pretty large number to explore. I think we have good data as a community that could be provided to confirm that this is a really interesting region to protect," emphasized Virmani.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!