Atlantis or The Wizard of Oz? Finding a “yellow road” under the sea

Scientists on the marine research vessel Nautilus found rock formations that drew attention because they resembled a yellow brick road in Movie “The Wizard of Oz”, released 1939. The structure seen off the coast of Hawaii (USA) is located in the volcanic Lili’uokalani Ridge, in one of the largest marine reserves in the world, in the Pacific Ocean.

According to the British newspaper Daily Mail, the scientists said that the rock formations are actually an example of active volcanic geology. They spent part of April studying the local geology and biological systems of seamounts that have volcanic origins, with the goal of collecting samples to determine the origin and age of these mountains, and thus better understand the composition of the islands in the northwestern Mediterranean. Hawaii.

In a posted video, the Nautilus crew described the discovery as a “yellow brick road” and “the road to Atlantis” – the mythical “Lost Kingdom” under the ocean.

“What may look like a ‘yellow brick road’ to the fabled city of Atlantis is actually an example of active ancient volcanic geology,” the crew said.

A spokesperson for the ship explained that this exploration helps provide basic information on the management and conservation of the communities that live in these seamounts. “Our exploration of this previously unsurveyed area helps researchers glimpse deeper into life within and on the rocky slopes of these deep ancient seamounts. Management and conservation actions.”