What theories explain why so many whales died in this corridor?

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Theories for Mass Whale Deaths in Indian Ocean Corridor
Chinese scientists have proposed several theories to explain the unusually high concentration of whale deaths in the Diamantina Zone of the Indian Ocean, a region identified as the world's largest whale graveyard. The research, which involved extensive dives by the Fendouzhe submersible, suggests that geographical and ecological factors likely contributed to this phenomenon, creating a unique environment for deep-sea ecosystems.
Potential Foraging Hub

One leading theory posits that the corridor west of Australia may have served as a significant foraging area for whales. This suggests that whales were drawn to the region in large numbers to feed, increasing the likelihood of mortality events occurring there. This hypothesis aligns with the understanding that abundant food sources can concentrate animal populations.
Geographical Funneling Effect

The geological structure of the Diamantina Zone is also considered a contributing factor. Researchers noted the presence of a V-shaped trench within the corridor, which may have acted as a natural funnel. This trench could have directed whale carcasses towards the ocean floor in a concentrated area after they died, rather than having them disperse across a wider region.
Unexpected Ecosystem Support

While not a direct cause of death, the research highlights how these accumulated whale falls have created a unique deep-sea ecosystem. The nearly 500 skeletons found, some dating back 5.3 million years, support a diverse range of life, including jellyfish, worms, snails, crustaceans, brittle stars, and bivalves. The discovery of an extinct whale species among the fossils further underscores the ancient nature of this phenomenon. Extrapolating from the findings, scientists estimate over 10 million carcasses may exist in the area, representing approximately 6.7 million tonnes of sequestered carbon.

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What theories explain why so many whales died in this corridor?

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