Scientists find deadly pool in Red Sea that kills anyone who swims into it

The scientists discovered the brine pool 1.7 kilometers beneath the surface of the Red Sea

ocean trench, marine
Photo: Shutterstock/Representative
BS Web Team New Delhi
2 min read Last Updated : Jul 27 2022 | 12:10 PM IST
Scientists from the University of Miami have discovered a deadly pool at the Red Sea's bottom. The lethal pool kills anyone who swims into it. The scientists discovered the brine pool 1.7 kilometres beneath the surface of the sea during the last five minutes of a ten-hour dive using a remotely operated underwater vehicle. 

Scientists explained that a brine pool is a depression in the floor of the sea filled with highly concentrated salt water and other chemical elements, adding that the area is saltier than the surrounding ocean. 

The researchers said that such underwater pools could stun or kill animals immediately and even pickle them alive. 

Speaking to Live Science, lead researcher Sam Purkis said brine pools are "among the most extreme environments on Earth", and "any animal that strays into the brine is immediately stunned or killed".

Fish, shrimps and eel use the brine pools for hunting, Purkis explained. He added that these creatures lurk "near the pools and feed on the unlucky” creatures that inadvertently swim into it. 

The researcher said that discovering such a pool would help scientists work out how oceans were the first form on Earth. 

“Until we understand the limits of life on Earth, it will be difficult to determine if alien planets can host any living beings,” Purkis said.

However, this is not the first time scientists have discovered a brine pool, a report by New York Post stated. Researchers have found a 'few dozen' deadly pools over the last 30 years in the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. 


One subscription. Two world-class reads.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Quarterly Starter

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

Save 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online

  • Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

Topics :ResearchSciencescience researchTop 10 headlinesResearch study

Next Story