Redditors Share 30 Terrifying Yet Fascinating Facts About The Deep Blue Sea
The deep blue sea is one of the most terrifying places on Earth. It's dark, it's cold, and it's full of deadly creatures.
But there's one thing that makes the deep blue sea even more terrifying: the unknown. What lies beneath the surface of the water?
What mysteries does it hold? These are the things that make the deep blue sea so terrifying.
Even though we've all seen pictures of the deep sea, those photos don't do justice to the true terror of the place. When you're standing on the edge of the water, looking down into its inky depths, it's easy to feel like you're about to be swallowed up by the darkness.
Then there are the creatures that live in the deep blue sea. Sharks, whales, squids, and other horrifying creatures call the deep blue sea their home.
And if that's not enough to scare you, consider the fact that we know more about outer space than we do about the depths of the ocean. If you want to feed your curious mind about what lies in those depths, you came to the right place.
We compiled some of the most terrifying ocean facts from the AskReddit community that will truly creep you out.
Many people delivered brilliant answers to this question
1. A military diver's experience
I remember watching a YouTube interview with a military diver. He described how when you’re doing a covert op you spend a lot of time just underwater doing nothing with no lights on until it’s time to move.
He specifically mentioned how he had to get used to having large things bump into him in the pitch black.
2. Do you know the answer to this riddle?
It doesn't hate you. It doesn't love you. It doesn't even know you exist. When it destroys/capsizes your boat your boat didn't even cause a change in its movements.
I am a sailor and I am in love with a cold heartless b***h who couldn't care less whether I live or die.
The Psychology of Fear and Fascination
The deep blue sea evokes a unique blend of fear and fascination that has intrigued humans for centuries. This duality can be explained through evolutionary psychology, which suggests that our ancestors developed a healthy respect for unknown environments as a survival mechanism. Studies have shown that fear responses can actually enhance curiosity, leading to a deeper exploration of potentially dangerous situations.
Dr. David M. Buss at the University of Texas emphasizes that this complex relationship with fear drives us to better understand our world, often making us more resilient.
The Fascination with the Deep Blue Sea
Dr. Michael Fisher, a marine psychologist at the University of Miami, explores the psychological allure of the ocean and its mysteries.
His research indicates that the ocean represents the unknown, evoking both fear and fascination in individuals.
This duality can be traced back to our evolutionary history, where the sea symbolized both sustenance and danger.
3. The real ocean pollutants
Most of the plastic pollution in the ocean is not from straws, shopping bags, or consumer items as most of us were led to believe.
It’s from fishing nets and fishing gear.
4. A whale becomes a world
When a whale dies, it creates a whole new ecosystem
5. Underwater sounds
I’m a scuba diver and one thing that really scared me when I first started off diving, you hear SO MUCH more underwater then you ever will above on the surface, I’m not even talking about like the shifting or just the water itself moving, your hear things like fish clicking and other things like that, cuz underwater sounds move and travel a lot more so you hear a lot more and much quicker, was pretty out of nowhere when I first went under
Moreover, the terrifying aspects of the ocean can catalyze a sense of awe that is psychologically beneficial. Research indicates that experiencing awe can foster a sense of connectedness and reduce feelings of individualism. A study published in Psychological Science found that awe-inspiring experiences can lead to increased generosity and prosocial behavior, enhancing our sense of community.
This suggests that our encounters with the ocean's mysteries can inspire not only fear but also a renewed appreciation for life and our interconnectedness with nature.
Studies in environmental psychology show that exposure to nature, including oceans, can improve mental well-being.
Being near water has been linked to reduced stress, enhanced mood, and increased feelings of connectedness to the environment.
Understanding these benefits can encourage individuals to engage more with natural settings.
6. Underwater lake
"Hot tub of despair" is a lake under the ocean, in the gulf of Mexico. It is highly concentrated with salt and has dissolved methane. Any creature that enters dies.
7. Sea monsters
We don't really know whats it in I can say that for thousands of years we drew sea monsters beliving they lived in it. Surprising alot of stuff we found in those pictures were in the ocean. (Giant Squid recently ). Just makes you think what else is actually down there that we don't know about.
8. Magnificent shipwrecks
There are perfectly-preserved shipwrecks from ancient Greece preserved at the bottom of the Black Sea. The water is so deep that it becomes anoxic (oxygen free), which preserves organic materials like wood.
Shipwrecks are cool, but I find the phenomenon a little disturbing, since there is probably no life down there.
The Importance of Education in Understanding Fear
Educating ourselves about the ocean and its ecosystems can help mitigate fear and enhance fascination. Knowledge can transform our perception of danger into respect and appreciation. A psychologist specializing in environmental behavior notes that increased awareness of marine life and its importance can foster a protective attitude towards these ecosystems.
Research from the Marine Conservation Society shows that education about the ocean significantly increases conservation efforts and reduces fear-based responses.
The Impact of Fear on Exploration
Fear often plays a significant role in shaping our interactions with the natural world.
Research suggests that fear can either inhibit exploration or inspire caution, depending on individual experiences and background.
Learning about and confronting these fears can lead to a more profound appreciation of the environment.
9. We truly don't know everything about the sea
The largest biomass migration takes place every night when deep sea animals come up to feed
10. We truly don't know everything about the sea
Only 5% of the entire ocean in the world has been discovered, that means that there is still 95% unmapped.
11. How lost sailors die
Lost sailors in the sea who cling to wreckage basically have their skin dissolved by salt water after soaking for more than 3 days.
Moreover, engaging with the ocean through experiences, such as snorkeling or diving, can enhance our understanding and appreciation for marine life. Studies indicate that firsthand experiences in nature can lead to profound shifts in perspective, fostering a sense of stewardship towards the environment. Dr. Rachel Kaplan of the University of Michigan found that immersive experiences can significantly alter our emotional connections to nature, making us more likely to advocate for its protection.
By engaging directly with the ocean, we can transform fear into a deeper connection with the natural world.
Psychological studies indicate that educating individuals about marine life can reduce fear and increase curiosity.
Understanding the realities of the ocean can empower individuals to engage with it more positively, fostering a sense of stewardship for marine ecosystems.
This shift in perspective can promote conservation efforts and enhance emotional well-being.
12. The reality of the ocean
When you dip your toe in the water you are no longer at the top of the food chain.
13. Cephalopod attack
This story is corroborated by the survivors. During one of the world wars, a ship was sunk and 11 survivors clung to a lifeboat until one of them was dragged down into the abyss by a "cephalopod". If he wasn't killed by the animal's beak, he would have died a horrific pressure death while the cephalopod probably rapidly descended with it's life prey. It's not possible to say which species this cephalopod belonged to, but the Giant Squid and Colossal Squid are the largest and heaviest known so far. And some scientists speculate there might lurk an even more massive species of cephalopods deep down in the ocean.
And whenever you sail by boat and look down into the deep blue darkness of the ocean, remember that the probability will never be zero to be suddenly grabbed by one and dragged down into the total darkness, dying a horrible, horrible death.
14. Before you dive, read this.
I tell new scuba divers this: The ocean doesn’t care about you. It’s not actively trying to kill you. But it will do a lot of things on its own that will absolutely kill you if you’re not prepared and paying attention.
I realize this could apply to any natural environment but it feels much more apt when talking about the ocean. One wave that you weren’t prepared for can make your day pretty bad. For the ocean it’s just business as usual.
Practical Solutions for Engaging with the Ocean
To foster a healthy relationship with the ocean, individuals should consider participating in educational programs focusing on marine ecosystems.
These programs can help demystify the ocean, increasing understanding and appreciation for its wonders.
Additionally, community clean-up efforts can promote a sense of connection and responsibility towards marine environments.
15. The world's most isolated place
Point Nemo is the most isolated place in the world. It's in the middle of the South Pacific gyre, which is a massive rotating current that basically keeps any nutrients rich water from ever getting in. So there is no sea life anywhere to be found except for a few crabs and bacteria that live near some thermal vents on the ocean floor. It's so far away from any land that if you sailed there the closest people would be on the international space station. This is the location HP Lovecraft was describing when he provided the location of R’Lyeh where Cthulu and the other old ones love, although Lovecraft's coordinates were slightly off.
And in 1997 the loudest unidentified underwater sound ever recorded, known as "the bloop", originated near there. It was loud enough that it was recorded from multiple sensors 5000 miles apart and lasted for over a minute.
The prevailing theory is that it was ice cracking off the south pole but we don't actually know what caused it for sure.
16. The importance of the Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream is created by the melting of ice from the north polar ice cap. That ice cap is rapidly disintegrating. Once it's gone, the Gulf Stream is gone. Once the Gulf Stream is gone, the weather pattern for the whole northern hemisphere dramatically changes.
This will be catastrophic.
17. How humans screw up the lives of sea creatures
The sonar we use for deep sea mapping really screws up a number of species especially whales, dolphins and porpoises. Imagine walking around and a tornado alarm decibel-level noise triggers right next to you. We do that every time we use that high-powered sonar and it basically f's up their own sonar abilities causing them to be unable to communicate and navigate.
Behavioral research emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of agency in interacting with nature.
Encouraging individuals to take part in conservation efforts can enhance their emotional connection to the ocean and promote positive behaviors.
Developing a personal relationship with nature can improve overall mental health.
18. Bodies of water under the oceans
Depending on the person then this could be scary or really cool.
Oceans can have underwater oceans, rivers and waterfalls. Due to different water temperatures and density and all that scientific nonsense.
19. Mauna Kea Volcano facts
The Mauna Kea Volcano in Hawaii is the both the tallest Undersea mountain and the tallest volcano Hawaii. It sits 6000 meters below the surface of the ocean and stands a staggering 4000m above. Giving it an overall height from ocean floor to peak of 10,000m.
20. Our buoyancy underwater
Once you get to a certain depth your buoyancy changes and you actually start get pulled down instead of floating up
The Role of Nature in Psychological Well-Being
Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that nature exposure can significantly enhance well-being.
Engaging with the ocean can provide opportunities for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation.
Understanding the psychological benefits of nature can encourage individuals to seek out these experiences more often.
21. The negative impact of greenhouse emissions
Ocean Acidification.
Increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) lead to higher concentrations of dissolved CO2 in surface seawater. This results in ocean acidification, which may affect the growth of the photosynthetic phytoplankton that form the basis of marine food webs.
So, total marine ecosystem collapse due to greenhouse emissions, the ocean produces more than half of the oxygen on earth, so that doesn't bode well for us.
22. Why burial at sea is the best
Well Crippin should have dumped his wifes remains in the ocean because not an ounce of food goes to waste including the bones.
If you need to get rid of a mass grave don't bury dump at sea and the entire body will be eaten which will actually be beneficial to the ecosystem as a whole.
We shouldn't be burying people but dumping them at sea.
23. This is probably why oceans are hard to explore
94% of the Earth's oceans are just pitch black darkness.
https://www.deepseanews.com/2014/11/we-dont-know-the-ocean/
24. What typically happens on cruise ships
If you commit suicide by jumping off a ship in deep water you will never be found, happens often enough on cruise ships, in those warm waters you'll be nibbled away before you gain buoyancy and return to the surface
25. The reason behind the ocean's color
The ocean is blue because all the other pigments are absorbed. So after a certain distance down everything thing becomes a monotone blue color, unless you have some other light source.
The freaky part is if a diver gets cut underwater the blood looks black, like ink. All the red has long since been absorbed so there’s no wavelengths left to show you a red color when you bleed.
26. The number of viruses in the ocean
There are more viruses in the ocean than there are stars in the Milky Way.
27. Imagine if the ocean becomes devoid of oxygen
There are parts of the ocean which are dead no oxygen in the water which means nothing can survive, no fish no plankton nothing at all. They are spreading exponentially. Whilst they are tiny now and have been. At the rate of growth. They’ll cause serious problems before the end of the century.
28. Mt. Everest vs. Mariana Trench
The Mariana trench is deeper than Everest is tall.
29. Ocean Discovery vs. Space Discovery
The fact that scientists think we have discovered more of outer space than we have of the oceans just scares me considering we don’t even know how big our universe is
30. Underwater zombies
When sea creatures die in the ocean and their bones sink to the deep ocean floor, zombie worms eat the bones. The skin secretes an acid dissolving the bones, digesting the remaining fat and protein left behind.
The ocean is full of mysteries and we are constantly learning new things about it.
Even though scientists have explored a good portion of the ocean, there are still many places left to be discovered. We may never know everything about the deep blue sea, but that doesn't stop us from being fascinated by it.
Psychological Analysis
This topic showcases the intricate relationship between human psychology and our perceptions of the natural world.
Understanding these dynamics can enhance our appreciation of nature and promote healthier interactions with our environment.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, our relationship with the ocean is complex, intertwining fear and fascination.
By understanding the psychological dynamics at play, we can foster a healthier relationship with nature.
As noted by environmental psychologists, engaging with the natural world is essential for both personal well-being and conservation efforts.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
The interplay between fear and fascination regarding the ocean is a testament to our complex relationship with nature. Research supports the idea that understanding and education can transform fear into respect, leading to more positive environmental behaviors.
By fostering a sense of awe and connectedness, we can not only appreciate the ocean's beauty but also commit to its preservation for future generations.
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