A global survey finds that the Arctic Ocean is a hot spot for viruses

Knowing where viruses are illuminates where carbon may be sinking

Tara boat

ON THE VIRUS SEA  Scientists spent three years sailing an aluminum boat called Tara (pictured) around the world’s oceans. Among the team’s major findings is that the Arctic is a treasure trove of viral diversity.

A. Deniaud Garcia/Tara Oceans Foundation

Arctic waters turn out to be teeming with some of the world’s smallest entities — viruses.