The Orca Basin, located approximately 168 miles off the Louisiana coast and over a mile deep, is described as an extraordinary environment. It functions as a lake on the seafloor, characterized by water nearly 10 times saltier than normal seawater, preventing mixing with the overlying ocean.
This unique environment, spanning about 154 square miles, lacks oxygen and multicellular animals below its boundary. The commentary expresses concern that this ancient and strange habitat, where the interface of salty water shimmers like a mirage, should be protected and not utilized as a carbon dump.
Source: Mongabay