KAUST Scientists Help Explore Oceans Around Africa with OceanQuest

A group of smart young scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) joined a big ocean trip called OceanQuest to learn more about the sea and life under the water. This was the first time the OceanXplorer ship, a high-tech research boat, went all the way around Africa!

The journey started in Comoros, a small island in the Indian Ocean. Then, the ship sailed south to Cape Town in South Africa. After that, it went up to Namibia and finished near Cabo Verde. This sea adventure is very important. It helps scientists learn more about ocean animals, underwater mountains, and how deep the sea is. It also helps Saudi Arabia share its knowledge with the world and support the goals of Vision 2030.

The KAUST team included three students studying the ocean and Earth. They worked hard to collect samples, study sea creatures, and check the water’s chemistry. This gave them great experience to use later in Saudi Arabia’s own waters.

They also looked at special underwater mountains called seamounts in the Indian Ocean. These mountains help scientists understand how similar places might form near Saudi Arabia. This exciting project shows how Saudi Arabia is helping the world learn more about the oceans.

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