U.S. net National Geographic Channel (NGC) has commissioned production company Parthenon Entertainment to make a high-definition, one-hour special that will shed light on the deepest parts of the ocean.

Slated to air on the cable network in spring this year, Light the Ocean will use specially-developed computer animation software  and scientific research to expose underwater landscapes several kilometers below the surface. The software allows light to reach extreme depths, exposing underwater waterfalls, massive plains, canyons and coral gardens.

“The oceans remain one of the greatest and most fascinating mysteries on our planet,” said Michael Cascio, EVP of programming for NGC. “Light the Ocean allows National Geographic Channel viewers to experience the ocean in an entirely new way – removing visual barriers to illustrate a breath-taking underwater world normally concealed kilometres below the surface.”

“We have nurtured a very special relationship with NGCI over the years,” said Danny Tipping, director of production at Parthenon Entertainment. “This new documentary demonstrates our world-class capabilities in both advanced CGI and natural history programming.”