Whale enthusiasts have a windfall finding a whale fall
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (383958)
Rockingham, Australia
July 4, 2026 7:59pm CST
In March 2023, a Chinese-led research group discovered a whale graveyard in the Diamantina Zone, about 1,600 kms west of Australia. A ‘whale fall’ is the decomposing body of a whale which has fallen to the sea floor. The expedition found five whale falls plus 476 cetacean fossils, including the skull of a previously unknown extinct beaked whale species.
Why were so many fossils found in the one area? It’s believed that the Diamantina Zone served as either a habitat or migratory pathway for several whale species. The V-shaped topography of the Zone might have helped funnel carcasses to the seabed.
The majority of the fossils were mostly beaked whale rostra (noses). These are resistant to degradation as they are very dense and rich in minerals. Also, over time, ferromanganese oxide coatings form a protective layer over the bones.
The photo was taken on our south coast. We saw whales from the lookout points but didn't get any decent photos of them.
12 people like this
11 responses
@FourWalls (87440)
• United States
12h
That’s amazing! I’ve seen lots of dolphins (went on a boat ride in Clearwater, Florida and the dolphins were swimming alongside of the boat!) and manatee, but I’ve never had the privilege of seeing a whale in the wild.
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (210121)
• United States
6h
That's interesting. U will out it in the category of who knew!
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (44036)
• Denver, Colorado
14h
Say that 10 times fast! 
Interesting. I've never even thought about where sea dwellers go to die, honestly.
Interesting. I've never even thought about where sea dwellers go to die, honestly.1 person likes this
@JudyEv (383958)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
It's good for the scientists that there are so many remains in the one area.
@Juliaacv (56668)
• Canada
1h
Everyone in my family, except for me (I choose another excursion as I get sea sick) went whale watching while we were in Victoria BC. They seemed to love it, mostly, except that the girls both fell asleep on the ride. But I guess that just meant that they were really relaxed.
@wolfgirl569 (136906)
• Marion, Ohio
1h
It's amazing how many new animals are still being found. Both extinct and living
@garymarsh6 (24262)
• United Kingdom
7h
Whales are so huge & dramatic when they suface & jump. We saw lots off the coast of Mexico.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (383958)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
It's amazing to see them leap out of the water. They are just so powerful.
