• Graaff Reinet
  • Cradock
  • Somerset East
  • Hofmeyer

My Cradock

  • Home
  • About
  • Add Your Business
  • Add Your News
  • Accommodation
    • Cradock
    • Graaff Reinet
    • Hofmeyer
    • Somerset East
  • Business
  • News
You are here: Home / News / Terrawatch: clues of unexpected creatures in the ocean depths

Terrawatch: clues of unexpected creatures in the ocean depths

Recently discovered fossil worm burrows reveal that, in the right sediment, life can survive far deeper than imagined


Kate Ravilious

Tue 6 Feb 2018 16.30 EST

Last modified on Tue 6 Feb 2018 17.00 EST




Sandstone outcrops in the Karoo Basin, in southern South Africa.
Photograph: David Hodgson/University of Leeds

Blue Planet II gave us a glimpse of the weird and wonderful life that swims and floats in the deep ocean, but what about the creatures that live beneath the ocean floor? Present day surveys suggest that shrimps and worms inhabit the top tens of centimetres of seabed, but it was assumed that life couldn’t survive much beyond 2m of sediment. However, recently discovered fossilised burrows show that, given the right kind of sediment, life can survive far deeper. Have we been looking in the wrong places for seabed critters?

Cross-cutting burrows on the margins of a sandstone injectite. Photograph: Sarah Cobain/University of Leeds

Sarah Cobain from the University of Leeds and colleagues analysed ancient burrow systems, found in South African rocks that were part of the ocean floor around 250m years ago. Writing in Scientific Reports they reveal that worm-like creatures lived up to 8m below the seabed, and must have burrowed for hours or even days. The burrows were in sand sheets, which are widespread on modern ocean floors. “There is every reason to think life could exist at similar depths in modern sand deposits, but we don’t know, as marine biology investigations tend to focus on muddy substrates,” says co-author David Hodgson.

Click here to Book Accommodation in Cradock, Graaf Reinett, Hofmeyer or surrounds.

Article source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/feb/06/terrawatch-clues-of-unexpected-creatures-in-the-ocean-depths

Filed Under: News Tagged With: cradock, graaff reinet, hofmeyer, karoo, news

My Cradock is brought to you with the compliments of CDK Security.
Get your business on the web - click here to start.

My Cradock - brought to you compliments of CDK Security.



Cradock Business

Karoo Space

Karoo Space is the leading website on the Karoo, South Africa's Heartland. … Contact...

Benzing Cradock Community Lofts

Benzing Cradock Community Lofts are situated in Cradock, Eastern … Contact...

JC Seals and Refrigeration

Best quality Mechanical seals for pumps. Reconditioning of Mechanical … Contact...

Cradock Security

CDK Security is based in the Karoo town of Cradock. We deliver security … Contact...

Cathy’s Guesthouse

Cathy's Guesthouse is situated in central Cradock near to local shops, … Contact...

Hire Direct Tool and Equipment

Hire Direct We Hire Tools and Small Equipment to the Local Community From … Contact...

Ntsikaye themba trading enterprise

This business is 100% owned by me as the black woman, it is trading genral … Contact...

Cradock Accommodation

Shalom Lodge

Shalom Lodge is a beautiful Karoo homestead located within walking distance … Enquiry...

Karoo River Rafting & Cabins

Karoo River Rafting & Cabins are set in the stunning surrounds of the … Enquiry...

Die Tuishuise

Die Tuishuise consists of 25 restored Karoo cottages in Market Street, … Enquiry...

Cradock House

Cradock House consists of five rooms within the main house, as well as two … Enquiry...

Karoo Werf Gastehuis

Karoo Werf Gastehuis Sis situated in the historical town of Cradock, a … Enquiry...

My Cradock

  • Business
  • Community
  • Cradock
  • Graaff Reinet
  • Hofmeyer
  • Images
  • News
  • Somerset East
  • Sport
  • Video

Stay in Somerset East

Somerset Hotel

Buffelsfontein Lodge & Inyati Spa

Rustig Farm Stay B&B

Hilltop House

Hockley Cottages

Glen Avon Farm

Die Lapa Skietfontein

Mount Marlow Lodge

Somerset House

Villa Maria Guesthouse

Palm Court Bed & Breakfast

Angler & Antelope Guest House

Somerset Lodge

Royal Hotel

Avondrust Guesthouse – Somerset East

Stay in Cradock

Karoo Werf Gastehuis

Annie’s Guest House

Nietgenaamd Guest House

Karoo River Rafting & Cabins

Pophuis

Agalia

Karoo Pred-A-Tours

Cradock House

Lazy Gecko

Die Tuishuise

Lowlands Country House

Albert House Bed and Breakfast

Heritage House

Protea Place Guest House

Oude Pastorie Gastehuis

Stay in Graaff Reinett

Urquhart Caravan Park

Buffelshoek Farm Guest House

Drifters Karoo Lodge

Aa’Qtansisi Guest House Graaff Reinet

Country Village Accommodation

Wellwood Farm – Trymore Cottage

Damesfontein

Queen Manor Boutique Guest House

Groenvlei Guest Farm

4 Rothman Street B&B Graaff Reinet

Mulberry Cottage and Charlton House

Avondrust B&B

Buiten Verwagten Guest House

Eenzaamheid Holiday Farm

Kleine Heimat

Copyright © 2019 MyCradock · Parent: MyPE