Hundreds of giant “donuts” appeared under the sea. Scientists don’t know how to explain

Historical context helps frame current interest. Seagrass meadows were common.

Hundreds of circular “rings” – and very large – were detected under the sea near the Outer Hebrides, in Scotland.

Os Scientists still can’t explain. This “appearance” is intriguing researchers and reinforcing scientific interest in seagrass meadows in the North Atlantic.

The formations, observed in the Sound of Barra, were documented on video for the first time and present well-defined geometric patterns, similar to the so-called “fairy circles” described in other ecosystems — although, in this case, they are natural structures associated with underwater meadows.

According to the public agency, responsible for nature conservation in Scotland, the rings result from growth of Sister marinaa key species in the coastal areas of the North Atlantic.

The rarity of the phenomenon in Scottish waters and the absence of previous visual records, including aerial images of these formations, make this discovery especially intriguing, but also relevant, for marine research, highlights the .

“As far as we know, this is the first video of seagrass circles in the seas of Scotland; we call them ‘donuts’ and they are truly spectacular,” researcher Sarah Cunningham.

Despite the enthusiasm, experts recognize that the exact origin and processes that lead to the regular design of rings do not yet have a conclusive explanation.

O historical context helps frame the current interest. Seagrass meadows were common across large areas of the Scottish coast until the early 20th century, but a disease identified in the 1930s caused a marked loss of this habitat.

The degradation was aggravated by pollution, deterioration of water quality and human activities, including dredging associated with shellfish extraction.

Still, scientists emphasize that, when pressures decrease, recovery can be significant, as has already been observed in other coastal areas of the country.

In addition to their unusual appearance, these prairies play a critical ecological functions: reduce coastal erosion, improve water quality and contribute to carbon capture.

The study of rings now seeks to clarify how they are formed and reinforce the need to protect an ecosystem considered strategic in the face of worsening environmental risks.