The surface of the Gulf of Aqaba appears calm for most of the year, with little to suggest what sits far below. Nearly 1,800 metres down, researchers have identified a dense pool of highly saline water resting on the seafloor, separated from the surrounding Red Sea. The feature, known as the NEOM brine pools, covers roughly 10,000 square metres, with three smaller pools nearby. Scientists say the water inside is several times saltier than normal seawater and contains almost no oxygen. Because of its weight, the brine remains trapped in a basin, forming what researchers describe as an isolated underwater lake. The discovery adds to growing interest in deep sea brine pools and their role in preserving environmental records in tectonically active regions.
