Reports from the U.S. Naval War College note that the PLAN's distant-ocean survey fleet has more than tripled since 2015. 3. Other Interpretations

These missions collect "bathymetric" data (sea depth and contours) and meteorological info. This is critical for undersea warfare , as temperature and salinity data help submarine commanders elude detection and improve sonar performance.

Astronomers may have found traces of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on K2-18b. On Earth, this molecule is only produced by life, specifically marine phytoplankton. However, researchers remain cautious as unknown chemical processes could also explain it. Other Candidates:

This is the most famous candidate. Scientists at the University of Cambridge have detected methane and carbon dioxide in its atmosphere, suggesting a hydrogen-rich environment and a potentially massive liquid ocean.

In a terrestrial context, "distant-ocean" refers to deep-sea maritime operations, particularly those by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and civilian researchers.