Underwater River Discovered in Black Sea Could Be Sixth Largest in the World
ISTANBUL – Scientists have discovered a remarkable geological feature hidden beneath the Black Sea: an enormous underwater river complete with waterfalls, rapids, and floodplains. The current, driven by highly saline Mediterranean water flowing through the Bosphorus Strait, is so substantial that if it existed on land, it would rank as the sixth-largest river on Earth, according to researchers.
The discovery, detailed in findings from the University of Leeds and documented by Hydro International, reveals a channel approximately 37 miles long, 0.6 miles wide, and at least 115 feet deep. The river’s flow rate is estimated at 22,000 cubic meters per second, surpassing even major rivers like the Thames and Rhine by significant margins – 350 and 10 times respectively.
“This ‘river within an ocean’ behaves precisely like one on land, with well-defined banks, floodplains, rapids, and even undersea waterfalls,” explained Professor Daniel Parsons, a researcher involved in the project. The team utilized advanced robotic mapping techniques, including an autonomous unmanned submarine named Autosub3, to verify the river’s extensive and distinct characteristics.
Beyond its sheer size, the underwater river is believed to play a crucial role in nutrient transport within the Black Sea. Scientists hypothesize that the channel acts as an “artery,” delivering vital nutrients from the deep ocean to support unique ecosystems in the nutrient-poor abyssal plains. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about the Black Sea’s deep-sea environment.
The formation of this underwater system is thought to date back approximately 7,500 years, coinciding with the creation of the Bosphorus Strait and the establishment of distinct water layers. Studying the river’s flow patterns and sediment layers offers researchers a valuable window into the evolution of the Black Sea basin and its response to past environmental changes and rising sea levels.
The discovery provides a glimpse into Earth’s history and could offer insights into understanding similar underwater systems in other parts of the world. Further research is planned to fully assess the river’s impact on the Black Sea ecosystem and its potential implications for marine conservation.