Thalassophobia

Despite our current knowledge and technology, approximately 71 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans. While most of us are aware of this fact, it is astonishing to realize that up to potentially 95 percent of the ocean remains unexplored, unmapped, and unseen by human eyes. This vast unknown territory makes the ocean not only incredibly vast but also disturbingly mysterious. Lassophobia, a specific type of phobia characterized by an intense fear of deep bodies of water like the ocean and sea, can be triggered by underwater images for some individuals, while others may only experience it when swimming in deep water or being out on a boat in the middle of the ocean There is a variation in the intensity and forms experienced by individuals who suffer from thalassophobia. However, as one gains more knowledge about the ocean, it is likely that at least some level of acute fear will manifest in most of us. This fear stems from the eerie and beastly nature of the ocean, which is predominantly shrouded in darkness and not suitable for human survival. In this environment, dangerous creatures thrive, and venturing too deep or staying for too long can result in the loss of one's life. The average depth of the ocean is approximately 2.3 miles or 3700 meters. However, it is important to note that the deepest parts of the ocean are much deeper than what most people are aware of or can comprehend. Taking a brief journey into its depths, starting at a depth of 500 meters below the surface, we find ourselves in the twilight zone. To put it into perspective, if you were to stand at the top of the one world trade center, the tallest building in the United States, and look down, that would be approximately the depth at which you would be submerged. This depth is also the maximum limit for modern nuclear attack submarines, while non-research vessels cannot reach the deepest points 1. Light diminishes rapidly as we descend deeper into the water, where strange creatures like sperm whales and colossal squids dwell. The existence of colossal squids was unknown until 1925, adding to the mystery of this area. Bioluminescent creatures also inhabit this zone, using light for hunting and survival. However, much remains unknown about the organisms in this region due to their elusive nature and the challenging research conditions. If we venture even deeper, reaching the midnight zone at around 1,000 meters below the surface, we encounter complete darkness where even the light from the surface cannot penetrate. Objects like sunken ships and airplanes are barely visible, highlighting the extreme conditions of this deep-sea environment Life persists in this desolate void, where creatures not only survive but also thrive in the darkness, under immense water pressure, and amidst hostile conditions. Preying on increasingly scarce food sources, strange alien-like beings such as the anglerfish, frilled shark, vampire squid, and gulper eel employ various, sometimes gruesome tactics to hunt, feed, and avoid becoming prey themselves. The ocean's depths remain largely unexplored, with the abyssal zone lying four thousand meters below the surface, and the deepest known point reaching a staggering 10,934 meters. In 2019, Victor Vescovo set a record for the deepest manned dive in history, descending to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. Despite the extreme conditions, life persists even at these unfathomable depths, with creatures like xenophiophores, giant amphipods, and sea cucumbers inhabiting the ocean floor. The ocean is truly an amazing place.

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