Sea Floor
Articles tagged with Sea Floor
Sinking land drives coastal flood risk on densely populated Java Island
A new study reveals that subsidence is a major driver of coastal flooding along Java Island, with rates of up to 15 centimeters per year. Groundwater withdrawal and agricultural water use are identified as key culprits, highlighting the need for active monitoring and mitigation.
New study unveils rich biodiversity in Japan's deepest ocean trenches, featuring record-breaking discoveries and an unidentified "mystery" species
A new study published in Biodiversity Data Journal reveals a profound look at life up to nearly 10 kilometers below the ocean's surface in the Japan, Ryukyu, and Izu-Ogasawara trenches. The research catalogs at least 108 distinct organism groups, including a baffling unidentified animal that has left global taxonomic experts stumped.
How can science support and enable the High Seas Treaty?
A new study provides a solutions-focused pathway to implementing the High Seas Treaty, highlighting the need for enhanced data resources and sharing. The researchers identify major scientific and technical developments that can help address challenges in biodiversity monitoring and connectivity between areas.
Ocean discovery league launches global strategy to double deep seafloor observations
The Ocean Discovery League has announced a global strategy to visually explore 10,000 strategically selected locations across the deep seafloor. By achieving this ambitious goal, scientists will unlock new discoveries about biodiversity, ecosystem function, and environmental change.
How do giant caldera volcanoes fill up?
Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a region beneath the Kikai caldera in Japan that is filled with magma, which they believe is newly injected magma. This finding allows them to propose a general model for how magma reservoirs under caldera volcanoes refill, potentially improving our ability to predict future giant eruptions.
Biodiversity Boost: 24 new deep-sea species discovered in major Pacific research
Researchers have announced the discovery of 24 new deep-sea amphipod species from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the central Pacific Ocean. The discoveries, part of an open-access special issue, provide fundamental knowledge of species and their distributions.
Unexpected feedback in the climate system
Researchers found a surprising correlation between West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat and marine algae growth over the past 500,000 years. The study suggests that global warming may lead to reduced CO2 uptake if the ice sheet continues to shrink.
The “Grand Canyon” of the Atlantic
A team of scientists discovered the King's Trough Complex, a colossal submarine canyon off Portugal's coast, formed by tectonic processes and hot mantle material. The structure extends over 500 kilometers, with Peake Deep as one of the deepest points in the Atlantic Ocean.
Identical micro-animals live in two isolated deep-sea environments. How is that possible?
A microscopic nematode genus, Halalaimus, has been discovered in both the Aleutian Trench and the South Sandwich Trench, two isolated deep-sea environments. The three identical genera found in these trenches have adapted to different habitats, highlighting the meiofauna paradox.
Expansion of Antarctic bottom water contributed to the end of the last Ice Age
A new study published in Nature Geoscience shows the key role of Antarctic Bottom Water in the transition from the last Ice Age. The expansion of AABW played a central role in releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which helped reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Space dust reveals Arctic ice conditions before satellite imaging
Researchers analyzed sediment cores from three sites in the Arctic, finding that year-round ice coverage corresponded with less cosmic dust. This study suggests that tracking cosmic dust can help predict changes to sea ice coverage and understand warming trends.
A new pink sea anemone that “builds a home” for hermit crabs discovered off Japan’s deep-sea coast
A new species of sea anemone has been discovered building shell-like homes for hermit crabs. The anemone secretes a carcinoecium that expands and reinforces the crab's shell, forming a mutualistic relationship between the two species.
North American ice sheets drove dramatic sea-level rise at the end of the last ice age
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that North American ice sheets caused over 30 feet of global sea-level rise between 8,000 and 9,000 years ago. This discovery challenges decades of research and has significant implications for understanding climate change.
Ecology: Sunk debris from World Wars provides home for wildlife
A study in Communications Earth & Environment found that WWII munitions in the Baltic Sea support a higher abundance of marine life than surrounding sediment. The hard metal casings on the munitions provide a suitable surface for organisms to inhabit, outweighing the disadvantages of chemical exposure.
New paper links atmosphere and ocean in weathering, carbon dioxide removal
A new study found that land and ocean weathering processes are linked, influencing the amount of carbon stored or released into the atmosphere. The research proposes a continuum approach to studying weathering reactions on both land and in the ocean.
International research alliance investigates environmental impacts of deep-sea mining
The MiningImpact project is investigating the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining on ocean ecosystems. Scientists are studying biodiversity, genetic connectivity, and ecosystem health to develop indicators and threshold values for harm.
From greenhouse gas to carbonate beneath the seafloor
The expedition aims to assess the storage potential of rocks and lay the foundation for their geophysical monitoring. Globally, basalt deposits beneath the ocean theoretically have a storage capacity of 40,000 gigatons.
As the world churns — a history of ecosystem engineering in the oceans
A new study tracks the evolution of marine sediment layers across hundreds of millions of years, revealing insights into bioturbation's impact on ocean habitability and ecology. Bioturbation played a critical role in shaping seafloor ecosystems and regulating nutrient cycling.
Advancing earthquake prediction with an unmanned aerial vehicle
The University of Tokyo researchers developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can withstand ocean currents and wind, enabling the acquisition of reliable seafloor measurements. The system achieved a horizontal root mean square error of approximately 1–2 cm, comparable to existing vessel-based systems.
Tracking Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation using benthic foraminifera
Researchers used benthic foraminifera to study the link between Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) strength and oxygen content in the eastern tropical North Atlantic. The study found that weaker AMOCs are associated with more oxygen in the oxygen-minimum zone, which has implications for marine ecosystems.
FAU Harbor Branch receives $1M grant to study gulf’s mesophotic coral habitats
Researchers will study how ocean currents and nutrients from land influence the health and productivity of MCEs, which support diverse marine life and important fisheries. The project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and provide science-based solutions for environmental protection and sustainable growth in the gulf region.
New autonomous vehicle helps advance understanding of the deep sea and its critical minerals
A new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) imaged a previously unexplored portion of the seafloor in ultra-deep waters near the Mariana Trench. The OECI partnered with Orpheus Ocean and federal agencies to advance understanding of critical minerals.
USC technology may reduce shipping emissions by half
A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.
Mapping the gaps: New global assessment reveals stark biases in ocean biodiversity data
A new study reveals that global marine biodiversity data is heavily biased towards shallow waters and vertebrates, with vast areas of the deep sea and invertebrates poorly represented. The findings highlight the need for prioritized sampling to fill these gaps and support sustainable ocean management.
MBARI research and technology play integral role in new Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences
International collaborations leveraging MBARI’s expertise and advanced technology better understand polar environments, including the Arctic seafloor and Southern Ocean. Researchers study seafloor processes, carbon and climate, and biodiversity in these regions.
Protected Antarctic oceanic life threatened by ships anchoring, first underwater videos show
A recent study has gathered the first video evidence of anchoring and chain damage in Antarctic waters, highlighting a critically understudied conservation issue. The research found that anchor impacts can cause localized destruction to seafloor habitats, leading to the loss of slow-growing, sessile species.
“Understanding the Ocean Below the Seafloor”: ECORD event on scientific ocean drilling at UNOC 2025
The ECORD event will explore the importance of scientific ocean drilling in understanding Earth's systems and addressing environmental challenges. Key findings include the establishment of the new International Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP3) and its potential impact on global scientific cooperation.
University of Oldenburg celebrates sensational success after securing funding for three Clusters of Excellence
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
Research project investigates freshened water under the ocean floor
A groundbreaking expedition aims to validate hypotheses about the origin of freshened groundwater in offshore aquifers. Researchers will collect sediment and water samples from beneath the ocean on the New England Shelf, shedding light on the dynamics of these systems and their influence on nutrient and element cycling.
Only 0.001% of the deep seafloor visually observed in seventy years, revealing gaps and bias in ocean exploration and global biodiversity understanding
A groundbreaking study estimates that only a minuscule fraction of the deep seafloor has been imaged, with less than 0.001% of the ocean floor having visual records. This limited exploration is largely due to high costs and geographical bias in ocean exploration efforts.
Hard-to-avoid emissions: Limited potential for marine carbon dioxide removal in Germany’s seas
A new study finds that ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage in German waters is feasible but with limitations, such as local marine conditions and required materials, energy, and infrastructure. Only five methods were shortlisted for implementation in German North Sea and Baltic waters.
Chip-shop fish among key seabed engineers
Research shows fish species like Atlantic cod and hagfish contribute significantly to seabed ecosystem health. Bioturbation impacts on organic carbon storage and greenhouse gas absorption are crucial for understanding ocean's role in climate change.
Trawling-induced sediment resuspension reduces CO2 uptake
A study found that sediment resuspension triggered by trawling and natural processes releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere through pyrite oxidation. The research reveals that protecting sensitive seafloor areas with fine-grained sediments is crucial to maintain the region's carbon sink capacity.
Microorganisms employ a secret weapon during metabolism
A study found that microorganisms using the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle dominate in shallow-water hydrothermal systems. This energy-efficient process enables them to transfer carbon into organic molecules, allowing them to survive in harsh conditions.
Crustal brines at an oceanic transform fault
A team of scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has made a groundbreaking discovery at the Gofar fault in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They found extremely conductive blobs beneath the seafloor on one side of the fault, which could indicate brine accumulations and magma activity.
Preserving and using the deep sea: scientists call for more knowledge to enable sustainable management
The deep sea accounts for 90% of ocean volume and hosts diverse ecosystems. However, human activities like mining and climate change threaten these areas. Scientists emphasize the need for major investment in deep-sea research to address knowledge gaps and inform sustainable management strategies.
Climate cost of global trawling still uncertain
Researchers say the amount of carbon released by seabed fishing worldwide is uncertain and must be urgently investigated. The Convex Seascape Survey found that vessel and gear sizes vary greatly from country to country, leading to large inaccuracies in global estimates.
Singapore and Japan unveil world’s deepest ocean art installation
The art installation, comprising three metal cubes, was deployed near the Mariana Trench off Japan's coast as part of a seismic sensor system. The cubes feature designs that resonate with communities worldwide and embody nine existential elements common to all humanity.
NJIT mathematician to help map Earth's last frontier with Navy grant
Eliza Michalopoulou is leading a research project to improve ocean floor mapping using sound waves, aiming to understand the seabed's properties and characteristics. The goal is to enhance anti-submarine warfare strategies and contribute to global efforts like Seabed 2030 and Ocean Decade.
Presence of potentially toxic microalgae confirmed in La Concha Bay
Researchers confirm presence of potentially toxic Ostreopsis ovata algae in La Concha Bay, highlighting importance of substrate type and need for further study. Continued monitoring is advised to determine level of concentration and control situation.
Sulfur bacteria team up to break down organic substances in the seabed
Researchers discovered that sulfur bacteria from the Desulfobacteraceae family work together like a team to break down diverse organic compounds. By analyzing six strains, they found similar molecular strategies and a highly energy-efficient central metabolism pathway, enabling them to thrive in oxygen-free environments.
Footprints of deep-sea mining
A recent study published in Nature Communications provides detailed data on the far-field spatial footprint of mining-induced plume dispersion and redeposition beyond the mining area. The research found that sediment concentrations were up to 10,000 times higher near the mining site and returned to normal levels after 14 hours.
New data for risk assessment of submarine landslides
Researchers on the SONNE310 expedition investigate canyons on active and passive continental slopes in the southwest Pacific. The study aims to identify factors that determine landslide frequency, size, and location, enhancing global risk assessment and protecting coastal areas.
Can ocean-floor mining oversights help us regulate space debris and mining on the Moon?
The regulation of ocean-floor mining may hold key lessons for the management of space debris and mining on the Moon. International discussions on space traffic management and active debris control could help prevent space debris from orbiting the Moon and Mars. Effective regulations are crucial to ensuring sustainable space activities.
Oceanic plate between Arabian and Eurasian continental plates is breaking away
A research team from the University of Göttingen investigated the influence of the Zagros Mountains on Earth's surface bending. They found that the Neotethys oceanic plate is breaking off horizontally, creating a depression in the region.
Underwater mud volcanos are a haven for marine organisms
Borealis Mud Volcano provides a hard substrate for various species like anemones and octocoral colonies, sustaining local fish populations. The volcano's carbonates also offer shelter and feeding opportunities.
Marine animals consume microplastic particles and excrete them in feces, posing risks to the marine environment
A Tel Aviv University study finds that microplastic particles are excreted in the feces of marine animals, making them undetectable as plastic. This process can lead to increased carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor, promoting algal blooms and disrupting the marine food web.
An Icy Worlds life detection strategy based on Exo-AUV
Researchers propose using Exo-AUVs to detect life on Icy Worlds like Europa by identifying micro-zones with high biological potential. The strategy guides the Exo-AUV to collect diverse robust biosignatures and potentially detect extant life in various dimensions.
Newly published study reveals diversity of novel hydrothermal vent styles on the Arctic Ocean floor
Researchers discovered a diversity of novel hydrothermal vent styles on the Arctic Ocean floor, including metal-poor hydrogen- and methane-enriched fluids. This expansion has significant implications for understanding the origin of these vents and assessing their global-scale impact on the ocean and Earth system.
Scientists document rich biodiversity along underexplored Chilean coastline
An international team of scientists mapped four unnamed underwater canyons and explored nearly 20 methane seep ecosystems off the Chilean coast. The expedition uncovered a dazzling array of creatures, including commercially valuable fish and potentially new species, in surprisingly diverse ecosystems.
Living in the deep, dark, slow lane: Insights from the first global appraisal of microbiomes in earth’s subsurface environments
A global study on microbiomes in subsurface environments reveals astonishingly high microbial diversity, rivaling that at the surface. The study, led by Emil Ruff, also compares marine and terrestrial microbiomes, finding great differences in composition but similar levels of diversity.
Durham University scientists unlock secrets of the longest runout sediment flows on earth using seabed seismographs
Researchers successfully monitored turbidity currents in the Congo Canyon-Channel, recording massive flows that travelled over 1,000 kilometres at speeds of up to 7.6 metres per second. The study provided critical new data on the duration and behaviour of turbidity currents, challenging traditional models.
Will the Ross Ice Shelf melt? International team launches second attempt to drill for Antarctic climate clues
A team of scientists, including Binghamton University's Molly Patterson, is drilling into the Ross Ice Shelf to retrieve geological records and gain insights into the ice sheet's response to global warming. The project aims to provide crucial data for adapting to sea-level rise and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
On the trail of the 2011 mega earthquake
Researchers are on the trail of the 2011 mega earthquake's causes through deep-sea drilling. They aim to determine properties and processes in subduction zones, which can contribute to tsunamis.
Tiny worm makes for big evolutionary discovery
Researchers from UC Riverside have identified the oldest known ecdysozoan, Uncus dzaugisi, dating back to the Precambrian period. This discovery fills a significant gap in understanding the origins of this diverse animal group, which includes nematodes, arthropods, and scalidophora.
How 70% of the Mediterranean Sea was lost 5.5 million years ago
Scientists analyzed chlorine isotopes in salt extracted from the Mediterranean seabed to identify two phases of the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The event resulted in a massive loss of up to 70% of the sea's water volume over a short period, triggering volcanic eruptions and global climatic effects.
Deep-sea corals are home to previously unknown bacteria with extremely small genomes
Researchers have discovered two previously unknown bacterial species in deep-sea corals from the Gulf of Mexico. These bacteria have extremely reduced genomes and lack the ability to break down carbohydrates, surviving on amino acids instead. The discovery provides insights into the unique adaptations of deep-sea organisms.
‘Drowning continent’: Study confirms Western Australian coastline’s complex history
Researchers confirm Rottnest Island and Swan River geological histories through ancient mineral grains. The study offers insights into the coast's transformation over thousands of years and its future adaptations to rising sea levels.
Journal publishes Montana State professor’s discovery of global gap in geologic record
A study reveals a global unconformity, or gap in the rock record, around the edges of every continent at the time of the greenhouse-to-icehouse climatic transition. The finding challenges traditional ideas about sediment movement and accumulation in deep oceans.