“The oldest, deepest and most extensive whale graveyard yet discovered has been found in the south-eastern Indian Ocean, with fossils dating back more than 5m years.
Whale falls – the term for dead whales that sink to the ocean floor – are not uncommon, but most have been found at depths of less than 4km (2.5 miles). By contrast, the newly discovered necropolis reaches depths of more than 7km, and extends hundreds of miles across the sea floor.
What’s more, researchers found decaying carcasses teeming with life.
Dr Giovanni Bianucci, a co-author of the study based at the University of Pisa, said: 'This discovery demonstrates that these extreme and unexplored environments are home to species and ecosystems still unknown to science, and that we are therefore still far from understanding the true biodiversity of our planet.'”
Nicola Davis reports for the Guardian June 10, 2026.
SEE ALSO:
“Across Ecosystems, Dead Organisms Help Shape the Living World” (Inside Climate News)
“Legacies Of Foundation Species Shape Life After Death” (Science)
