By Tim Binnall
A research project aimed at mapping the ocean floor off the coast of Australia discovered an enormous coral reef which is taller than the Empire State Building. The incredible find reportedly occurred last week as researchers from the Schmidt Ocean Institute were conducting an underwater expedition using an exploratory robot dubbed 'SuBastian.' The remarkable discovery, known as a 'detached reef' since it is separate from the nearby Great Barrier Reef, measures a staggering 1,600 feet tall and peaks at a mere 131 feet from the surface of the water. Amazingly, the newfound coral tower is the first detached reef to be discovered in 120 years.
Upon finding the massive reef, the team subsequently dispatched SuBastian for a more focused and lengthier look at the site, which was live streamed on their YouTube channel, and discovered a variety of sea creatures living in and around the huge underwater tower. "We are surprised and elated by what we have found," lead scientist Dr. Robin Beaman said, "to not only 3D map the reef in detail, but also visually see this discovery with SuBastian is incredible." Dr. Jyotika Virmani of the Schmidt Ocean Institute echoed that sentiment, musing that the find "shows how mysterious the world is just beyond our coastline."