Brittlestar City, Underwater Mountain lying south of New Zealand

Mon, May 19th 2008, 00:00

New Zealand and Australia Scientists revealed an exciting new discovery at a conference in Oslo in 2008.

The New Zealand and Australia research team have been studying the conditions and typography of a deep underwater mountain range, the Macquarie Ridge which stretches south from New Zealand for 1,400 km towards the Antarctic Circle. Macquarie is washed by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current which passes over the underwater mountains (seamounts) at a speed of 2 knots. This is fast for a current, and allows filter feeders in the area to obtain their food as it floats by.

The summits of the seamounts are usually dominated by corals and sponges, but Scientists were excited to discover a huge population of Brittlestar living on the Macquarie summit. Brittlestar are related to the starfish family and are also distant relatives of the sea cucumbers and sea urchins. The Scientists have dubbed the area Brittlestar city after the vast colony of Brittlestar they found.

The Brittlestar are crammed together on the deep summit of the seamount and wave their arms in the current to get food. They were photographed by an underwater robot submarine, the Deep Towed Imaging System (DTIS). DTIS allows Scientists to photograph the depths of the ocean inaccessible to humans. This research project produced over 20 hours of video and photographic footage of the Macquarie Ridge.

There are about 100,000 seamounts around the world, but very few of them have been studied. The seamounts play an important role in the ocean ecosystem as the feeding ground for hosts of fish, marine mammals and seabirds. They may well hold the key to managing the biodiversity of our oceans.

Featured Businesses

The New Zealander Restaurant2009-06-05
Located in Alameda, Alameda County, California, United States
The New Zealander Restaurant located in Alameda, services the perfect New Zealand meat pie together with pub style meals with domestic and imported beers on tap, in a family friendly atmosphere. READ MORE
Clover Downs Estate
Located in Ngongotaha , Lake Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Welcome to Clover Downs Estate, a luxury bed and breakfast retreat in stunning rural surroundings near Rotorua. Enjoy the comfort of superior accommodation while experiencing authentic New Zealand farm life.READ MORE
Antigua Resort2009-01-07
Located in Lake George, Warren County, New York, United States
At Antigua Resort, lake George, New York, United States, our serene Lakefront setting is just minutes away from all that Lake George Village and all the area has to offeroREAD MORE
Don't Tell Mama Restaurant2012-04-18
Located in New York, New York, New York, United States
Don't Tell Mama Restaurant offers New York City's finest fusion New American Cuisine from a seasonally changing menu. Enjoy all American favourites, delicious ingredients, and something for everyone with daily lunch and dinner specials available. The atmosphere is cozy, the intimacy of a warm living room abounds as diners delight in the wonderful meals on offer, and afterwards enjoy a drink in the piano bar or a live cabaret show in the cabaret room.READ MORE
Brandy Library2012-04-19
Located in New York, New York, New York, United States
Brandy Library in New York offer an exclusive spot in New York for dining, wining, bourbons and really rare spirits, and even a menu of 100 classic and signature cocktails. Light jazz tinkles in the background and on Mondays, the live piano music sets the tone for a wonderful evening of decadent cuisine and carefully chosen wines, beers and spirits. Brandy Library is also the perfect venue to host your next private party or celebration and even has a spirit school and Spirit Sommeliers.READ MORE
Brandy Library Spirit School2012-04-19
Located in New York, New York, New York, United States
Brandy Library Spirit School in New York offers spiritual enlightenment in quite a different way, with spirit sommeliers taking you on a journey of discovery through the world of scotch or bourbons with lectures on precious and rare spirits available as well. The lectures include food of hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails. Private tastings are available as well without the lecture, where spirit sommeliers will guide you through an excellent spirit tasting of your choice, with explanations of distilling, history and more.READ MORE
Beekmans Beer Garden Beach Club2012-09-12
Located in New York, New York, New York, United States
Beekmans Beer Garden Beach Club in fabulous New York is the perfect venue for your next event. Enjoy this New York Beer gardens varied menu of sausages, seafood, snacks, burgers, sides, BBQ's and more as you dine outdoors, or party into the night beach side. The beer garden offers a wonderful setting with stunning views, comfortable chairs and open fires and Beekmans Beer Garden Beach Clubs hosts concerts and events throughout the year. Make this stunning venue your location for your next birthday party, corporate event, or fundraiser, it's all happening at Beekmans Beer Garden Beach Club in New York.READ MORE
Blackberry Grove2015-12-23
Located in New Brighton, Merseyside, England, United Kingdom
Blackberry Grove in New Brighton, Merseyside, is a charming and unique bar and restaurant that delights casual diners and discerning food enthusiasts with their menu that includes something delicious that will appeal to all palates. Our restaurant is open for breakfasts, brunches through to evening dinners and later and our eclectic menu always includes a large selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. At Blackberry Grove our meals are gluten free and freshly made on a daily basis and we are confident that even the fussiest of eaters will have their appetites appeased.READ MORE
Brandy Library Parties2012-04-19
Located in New York, New York, New York, United States
The Brandy Library Parties in New York is an open yet intimate venue and the absolute perfect setting for any occasion, party or celebration from corporate gatherings to private parties. Choose from two great options, either the main floor which can accommodate up to 75 guests or the lower level which can cater to 35 patrons. The librarians circulate with delectable treats and cocktails and if you're keen you and your colleagues or friends can even learn how to mix the perfect classic cocktail as the bar chefs demonstrate.READ MORE
Briq Restaurant2014-03-06
Located in NewHaven, New Haven County, Connecticut, United States
Briq Restaurant in New Haven, Conneticut, has several exciting venues where diners can enjoy excellent cuisine in an atmosphere that is comfortable and welcoming. Our lively bar scene is a great attraction, and with areas such as Briq bar, a formal dining room, The Celler, a Loft and an exciting rooftop, Briq Restaurant is the ideal destination for private events such as cocktail parties, birthday parties, formal dinners or outdoor events. Housed in a historical townhouse, our friendly and attentive staff will ensure that guests attending private events will enjoy a fabulous dining experience that will have them eagerly anticipating a return visit to Briq Restaurant . READ MORE