When trying to solve a challenging problem, one of the best places to start is gathering information. That can be a bit challenging when the information you need is difficult to obtain.

Sometimes you can’t find what you’re looking for right away or the answers aren’t readily known. Sometimes the data you need is at the bottom of the Southern Ocean and you need a little help getting it. 

Climate scientists struggling to understand deep arctic currents were stumped on how to collect the data they needed. They did the smart thing and decided to enlist some professionals: really seasoned deep sea arctic divers. Locals who know the area in and out. I’m talking, of course, about elephant seals.

Using a non-invasive tracking device attached to the seals back, scientists were able to collect data from parts of the ocean we have never observed. One female seal traveled over 3,000 miles, making over 6,000 dives to depths over a half mile deep. 

Fun fact, seals actually dive in their sleep.

The data doesn’t give us all the answers, but it’s an important piece of the puzzle for climate scientists attempting to gain a better understanding of how the planet regulates temperature. 

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