| The Sargasso Sea, a huge eddy within the North AtlanticOcean, was first observed by Christopher Columbus on hisintial West Indies voyage. It takes its name from the floatingseaweed called Sargassum, or gulfweed, a brown algae thatis easily recognized by the many small berrylike bladderswhich keep it afloat. Shifting currents impart a whirlpool-like shape and motionto the Sargasso, and objects are gradually drawn toward itscenter, where, legend has it, century-old ships still float,rotting, eternally trapped by the matted weed and lack ofwind to fill their sails... While the waters beneath the seaweed might be hundredsof fathoms deep, the calm surface and floating vegetationgive an impression of shallows-so much that Columbus re-duced his westward speed for fear of running aground. TheSanta Maria, Pinta, and Niha were becalmed and driftedthere, entrapped by the yellow and green weeds for weeks. Today, travelers in high-powered ships, in airplanes-andeven in space vehicles-still enter the Sargasso Sea and van-ish for all time. No one knows why. |
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