News Excerpt: 

Recently, Scientists have mapped the largest-known deep-sea coral reef, which is located off the Atlantic coast of the United States.

Key findings of the discovery: 

• The newly discovered reef is around 310 miles (500 km) long, extending from Florida to South Carolina. In some places, it is as wide as 68 miles (110 km).
• The reef was discovered at depths where sunlight cannot reach, between 200 and 1000  meters. 
• At this depth, the coral must filter food particles out of the water in order to get energy, unlike tropical coral reefs where photosynthesis is crucial for growth.
• These deep corals provide shelter to a variety of fish species including swordfish, octopuses, shrimp, sea stars, and sharks.

Role of Technology in the Discovery:

• While the existence of this reef has been known to scientists since the 1960s, there was no technology to get a clear picture of its dimensions till now.
• Underwater mapping is a new technology that has helped construct the ocean floor’s 3D images.
• Shipboard sonar equipment with high resolution is used to map the ocean floor. 

Challenges:

• Climate change and disturbance from oil and gas production pose threats to both types of habitat.