Sunday, April 27, 2025

Cap Corse : the mystery of the rings

 
At a depth of almost 120m off Cap Corse, more than 1,400 perfect circles lie on the white sand.
How were they formed?
What are they made of?
How old are they?
To unravel this mystery, the Andromede Océanologie and Gombessa Expeditions teams, led by biologist and underwater photographer Laurent Ballesta, have surrounded themselves with some 40 scientists from a variety of disciplines (climatologists, geologists, biologists, oceanologists...).
This enigma has fascinated science for over ten years.
Are they submerged volcanic craters, traces of meteorites or, more prosaically, aggregates of hydrocarbons spilled into the sea?
 
Supported by the French Navy, an expedition of researchers and a team of divers led by biologist and photographer Laurent Ballesta set out to investigate and retrace the geological history of this unique site.
The mission reveals an extraordinary ecosystem, home to species never before seen. 
This three-year adventure demonstrated the uniqueness of the rings' ecosystem, a jewel of biodiversity. It has provided important ecological and geological evidence in favor of reinforcing protection of the area as part of the ZPF (Zone de Protection Forte) labeling process already initiated by the Cap Corse et Agriate Natural Marine Park (PNMCCA).

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