Something's Been Making Weird Pits in the Seafloor

The video explores mysterious pits on the ocean floor near Germany, initially thought to be caused by methane. Researchers found these pits were not conical, as expected for methane, but flat, suggesting a different cause. Investigations pointed to porpoises digging for sand eels as the likely cause, marking the first time marine megafauna have been observed influencing the sea floor on such a scale. This discovery could help differentiate between pits caused by marine life and those indicating tectonic activity, aiding in earthquake monitoring.

What was the initial hypothesis for the cause of the pits found near Germany?

• Underwater mining

• Tidal movements

• Volcanic activity

• Methane emissions

What was one of the main challenges in confirming methane as the cause of the North Sea pits?

• Lack of technology

• Inconsistent methane levels

• Unreliable data sources

• Insufficient funding

Which animal was hypothesized to be responsible for the pits in the North Sea?

• Dolphins

• Sharks

• Whales

• Porpoises

What behavior of porpoises was considered as a possible cause for the pits?

• Communication

• Breeding

• Foraging for sand eels

• Migration

What is the term used to describe the process where animals turn over the sea floor?

• Bioturbation

• Sedimentation

• Erosion

• Deposition

How could identifying the true cause of the pits benefit earthquake studies?

• By reducing ocean pollution

• By improving tectonic activity monitoring

• By enhancing marine biodiversity

• By predicting volcanic eruptions

What is one reason why marine animals are fascinating to young people?

• Their ability to fly

• Their influence on the sea floor

• Their role in mythology

• Their colorful appearance