A new exhibition opening this spring at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University reveals the mysteries of the ocean's greatest depths. 

Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss, opening Saturday, April 2, invites museum visitors to explore newly discovered life forms, thermal vents, deep-sea research submersibles, and shipwrecks including the Titanic. Through this exciting adventure, visitors will observe firsthand the technology that only recently has allowed scientists to travel to the ocean floor and discover the amazing creatures that thrive in total darkness. 

Among the more than 500 newly discovered species at the deepest depths are five-feet long tubeworms with bright red heads and giant white clams the size of dinner plates. Visitors can test their skill at manipulating a robotic arm of a replica of the submersible Alvin to pick up lava rocks and clams similar to what scientists do to gather samples of creatures from the ocean floor. 

Museum visitors can also fly a remotely operated vehicle over a model of the Titanic’s deck and, in another display, see how currents created by superheated water erupting from thermal vents carry nutrients that support life forms few ever dreamed existed. 

“Our ocean is facing its biggest threat in history due to degrading ecosystems. Yet its water contains life that helps us breathe, provides food for billions of people, and absorbs heat from the sun which helps regulate our climate,” said Academy President and CEO Scott Cooper. “As the Academy and Drexel University celebrate  Water Year in 2022, I hope everyone will gain a deeper understanding of our vital ocean and help protect it for future generations.” 

Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss, will be on view through Sunday, July 24. Extreme Deep is presented by Evergreen Exhibitions in collaboration with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 

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To download images, visit the Press Room.