Scientists Uncover True Source of Florida’s Mysterious ‘Bloop’

A peculiar underwater noise, once believed to be linked to a giant creature or an undiscovered species, has finally been identified as the result of an icequake. Known as the “bloop,” this sound originated off the coast of Florida and had initially sparked excitement among scientists and the public alike, fueling speculation about the existence of a living Megalodon or other massive marine life.

In a surprising turn of events, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revealed that the bloop was in fact caused by an iceberg breaking off from an Antarctic glacier. According to NOAA, the sound was detected in 2005 following years of research and deployment of hydrophones in the Southern Ocean.

The bloop was first noted for its peculiar characteristics, which some researchers suggested might stem from a living organism. The sound resembled amplified calls from whales but exceeded the volume of any known marine animal. This led to rampant speculation online, with theories ranging from undiscovered leviathans to references to H. P. Lovecraft’s fictional creature, Cthulhu.

Researchers at NOAA, however, provided a more grounded explanation. They pointed to geological phenomena such as underwater volcanic activity and tectonic plate movements. These natural occurrences have historically produced similar noises, prompting geographers to dismiss the more sensational theories surrounding the bloop.

Over time, NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) deployed hydrophones closer to Antarctica to better understand the sounds originating from the seafloor. In 2005, researchers confirmed that the bloop was indeed the sound of an icequake, which is a result of glaciers cracking and breaking away due to global warming. “As the years passed, PMEL researchers continued to deploy hydrophones ever closer to Antarctica in an ongoing effort to study the sounds of seafloor volcanoes and earthquakes,” NOAA stated in their findings.

This revelation has drawn mixed reactions from the public. One Reddit user expressed disappointment, longing for the discovery of a new, large marine species instead of a geological explanation. “I know there’s a ton of species down there we haven’t discovered, but they’re probably all going to be tiny or not much bigger than a small dog. I want science to discover something HUGE,” they wrote.

Others questioned the initial hypotheses regarding the organic nature of the bloop. They expressed curiosity about why it took NOAA so long to attribute the noise to icebergs cracking. “Wasn’t there a bunch of experts saying that it was almost certainly organic in nature?” one commenter noted, seeking clarity on the loudness of the icequake.

As the understanding of the bloop evolves, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of our oceans and the continuous impact of climate change on marine environments. The discovery not only resolves speculation but also highlights the importance of scientific investigation in distinguishing fact from fiction in the natural world.