The ocean encompasses a vast portion of our planet's surface, serving as the cradle of life from a biological standpoint.

It is no wonder that humanity harbors a profound fascination for the ocean, perhaps stemming from a primal connection, as some speculate that our origins trace back to the sea. The allure of returning to our ancestral homeland evokes a sense of romance and meaning.

Despite the allure of the ocean, human exploration has barely scratched the surface, with a mere 5% of the ocean floor explored compared to the vast expanses of the universe. From space, Earth appears as a striking blue planet, predominantly due to its expansive oceans, which cover approximately 71% of its surface area.

While both the ocean and space beckon explorers, delving into the ocean's depths appears comparatively more attainable. Yet, significant challenges impede our progress. What obstacles have hindered humanity's exploration of the ocean, and what discoveries lie within the 5% that we have ventured into thus far?

The human species has dwelled away from the sea for millennia. Fossil records indicate that vertebrate ancestors transitioned to terrestrial habitats approximately 300 million years ago, with only a handful of species reverting to marine life since then. Consequently, the human body has adapted to terrestrial environments, rendering it ill-suited for deep-sea exploration. Beyond depths of 200 meters, the ocean plunges into darkness, revealing a mysterious realm largely uncharted by human eyes.

Contrary to the azure hue visible from the surface, the depths of the ocean remain shrouded in darkness. Below 200 meters, sunlight diminishes, plunging the underwater world into obscurity. As depth increases, temperatures plummet, and pressure surges. At 200 meters, water temperatures hover around 1 degree Celsius, while pressure intensifies by one atmosphere for every 10-meter descent.

Human capabilities for underwater exploration are inherently limited. Without specialized equipment, the maximum diving depth reaches a mere 113 meters, extending to 322 meters with artificial breathing apparatus. Consequently, the majority of the ocean's depths remain uncharted territory, beyond the reach of human exploration.

Despite the daunting challenges and inherent risks, humanity persists in venturing into the ocean's abyss, driven by the prospect of discovery. While deep-sea ecosystems harbor minimal macroscopic life, they teem with microscopic organisms, often dubbed living fossils for their ancient lineage. The adaptations of these organisms to extreme pressure and darkness offer invaluable insights for human understanding and innovation.

In our quest for knowledge, we are compelled to explore the ocean's depths, unraveling its mysteries and expanding our understanding of the blue planet we call home. Each expedition into the abyss brings us closer to comprehending the intricate web of life that thrives beneath the waves.