Study describes 11,742 distinct viruses in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, 99% previously undocumented
LIFEUnverifiedUpdated:
A reported study identified 11,742 distinct viruses in Clarion-Clipperton Zone sediments. It says 99% were previously undocumented and presents the dataset as a baseline before potential mining.
Identifying viruses through sediment DNA and RNA
According to the report, researchers sequenced DNA and RNA from sediment cores collected in 2023 and 2024 in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. They identified 11,742 distinct viruses and compared the data with samples from other deep-ocean areas. The researchers describe the work as a baseline for future environmental-impact assessments before mining.
The supplied report does not provide a comparable earlier count of viruses documented in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
The study's reported dataset adds 11,742 distinct viruses from polymetallic-nodule-field sediments, with 99 percent described as previously undocumented.
The zone contains polymetallic nodules targeted for deep-sea mining exploration. The report says the viruses appear largely distinct from those in other deep-sea habitats and may be relevant to microbial processes in nodule-field sediments, while stressing that more research is needed on how mining could affect them.
Sources
- ScienceAlertAlmost All The Viruses Found in a Vast Deep-Sea Mining Zone Were New to ScienceRead source →