What is deep sea fans?

Deep sea fans are underwater geological formations that resemble the shape of a fan. They are found on the ocean floor and are typically formed by sediment deposits carried by underwater currents.

These formations can range in size from a few meters to several hundred kilometers in diameter, and can be thousands of meters deep. They are usually located at the base of submarine canyons, where the canyon’s steep walls funnel sediment-laden water into the fan.

Deep sea fans play an important role in the ocean ecosystem as they provide habitats for a range of deep water marine species. Fish, crabs, and various types of invertebrates have been observed living within these fans. In addition, deep sea fans have been found to contain deposits of minerals, which may have commercial applications in the future.

Deep sea fans are difficult to study due to their depth and inaccessibility. However, advances in remote sensing technologies have allowed researchers to develop detailed maps and models of these formations, providing valuable insights into their formation and ecology.