Stranger Things below the Ice

What really lies below the Antarctic sea ice? Not everything is pretty sea stars and cute anemones. A spookier truth lies beneath to those that dare to go...

Around our main study site, Cinder Cones, an ominous presence dominates the sea. Up to six feet in length and with an acidic slime, these creatures are one of the main inhabitants of the seafloor. What do you think they are? Vote below!

What do we think of this?

• Obviously a ball of intestines
• Maybe a worm

Parborlasia corrugatus (species), a nemerdian worm, lives in our hearts as one of Cinder Cones's enigmatic creatures. (Pictured above)

Going deeper to 50ft, you might be greeted by the eight legged sea spiders. These curious arthropods, Colossendeidae (family), can get up to the size of a dinner plate!

Spookier things are beyond what you can see, and more into what you can hear. From thumping to clicking sounds coming at you in all directions, you never know when a seal might come your way! Once they do though, the eerie sounds turn into the most wholesome moments of the dive.

As we go below the seafloor and into the mud, a whole new world of weird organisms come to light (Image to the right). From scaleworm to clams, they live and breathe for the spooky season all year long.