Extreme Marine Habitats are a series of blogs on different seabed habitats made by ocean science students at Bangor University. They cover a range of specific marine related topics including hydrothermal vents, corals, deep-sea sleeper sharks, bioluminescence in deep-sea jellyfish and much more. Students can gain experience of science blogging as well as communicate their science during their university courses. A complete list can be found at the Extreme Marine Habitats Blogs page. I have had a look at a couple of the blogs including:
Exploring Deep Sea Mussels (Mytilidae: Bathymodiolus) at Hydrothermal Vents
This blog concentrates on the type of mussels which are found at hydrothermal vents. It discusses the hydrothermal vent environment, mussel anatomy and larval development. A great read!
Vampire Squid– An in depth review of the vampire squid.
A blog specifically focusing on Vampyroteuthis infernalis– the “vampire squid from hell,” covering the morphology, adaptations, bioluminescence and pollution.
The Secret Life of Arctic Diatoms
This blog is about diatoms- a microalgae plankton, specifically found in the Arctic. The blog discusses how the siliceous diatom frustules can be used as an indicator of environmental change.
This blog focuses on the cold-water coral, Lophelia pertusa– one of my favorite Extreme Marine blogs. A great place to visit for referenced facts about cold water corals. Out of sight but no longer out of mind!
The Wonderful World Of Tropical Corals
This blog is about the tropical coral reef ecosystem and the effect of rising temperatures and whether the reefs will be able to survive. I think a topic we need to cover more on this blog!