Megalodon teeth recovered off Cook Islands reveal ancient ocean clues
Scientists using ROVs near the Cook Islands uncovered several large megalodon teeth on the seafloor, offering new data on the prehistoric shark and past ocean conditions.
A recent ROV expedition in the southwestern waters of the Cook Islands yielded several well-preserved megalodon teeth, each up to five inches long, according to NOAA. The fossils were identified as belonging to the massive shark that roamed the oceans roughly 3.6 million years ago, reaching lengths of about 60 feet and weighing around 50 tons. Researchers emphasized that such teeth absorb rare-earth elements from seawater, allowing scientists to trace historic ocean circulation patterns.
Additionally, the teeth serve as focal points for the gradual buildup of polymetallic nodules composed of manganese and iron. Dr. Aurora Elmore, co-science lead for the Cook Islands ROV exploration, and coordinator Matt Dornback displayed the specimens, underscoring their size and the predator’s formidable bite. The National Museum of Natural History provided context on the shark’s stature, noting its capacity to tear large whales. Overall, the discovery offers a tangible window into the marine environment of the Miocene epoch.
Why it matters
The teeth provide rare chemical records that help scientists reconstruct ancient ocean currents and ecosystems.
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