Articles tagged with Sea Floor
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Recent protected habitats are recovering after six years of closure, showing signs of stability. Complex bottom habitat is crucial for small fish populations, and gear like rock hopper reduces habitat complexity.
Scientists develop a new sonar method to detect squid egg clusters, allowing for efficient mapping and estimation of squid populations. This technique has immediate potential to provide resource managers with sound scientific information to sustain the fishery and protect the species' genetic diversity.
A novel autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) has photographed the ancient Greek shipwreck on the ocean floor, revealing detailed images of cargo remnants. The project marks a significant milestone in underwater archaeology, using advanced technology to survey and map shipwrecks with unprecedented accuracy.
The VENUS observatory will support two cable arrays in British Columbia waters, enabling scientists to study the oceans continuously and access data online. The project marks a new era of ocean exploration, driven by cutting-edge technology developed in BC.
The IODP Expedition 311 has discovered gas hydrate deposits with higher concentrations found in coarse-grained sand layers throughout core samples. The findings will fundamentally change how scientists investigate the impact of gas hydrate deposits, revealing a more complex occurrence than previously predicted.
Research reveals that ice sheets scoured the sea floor, erasing whole communities of animals. Seafloor organisms may have emigrated to the deep sea or recolonised the Antarctic shelf during warm periods following ice ages.
The University of Washington is broadcasting live from the Endeavour Segment of the Pacific Ocean ridge, showcasing extreme environments with eerie spires and chimneys. The transmissions will be available in standard-definition video on TV and online.
The IODP Cascadia margins gas hydrates expedition is underway, exploring the presence of ice-like solids composed of water and natural gas on marine continental shelves. Media representatives are invited onboard the drillship in Victoria port on Oct. 31, 2005 for tours of the ship.
Researchers found a dramatic change in electrical conductivity at 60 kilometers below the ocean floor, with sound waves traveling rapidly above and slowly below. This discovery sheds new light on the process of forming oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges.
Researchers from Yale University and the Imperial College have digitally reconstructed a fossilized brachiopod complete with its pedicle and lophophore, revealing new insights into extinct forms. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of brachiopods and challenges previous assumptions about their similarities to modern examples.
Scientists on a remote expedition are working from a Seattle command center while exploring the Lost City vent field, which includes an 18-story vent taller than any seen before. Researchers aim to determine if microbes thrive in mantle rocks and could discover new life forms.
Researchers uncover a previously unknown ecosystem beneath the Antarctic ice shelf, featuring a thriving clam community and methane-driven chemical life. The discovery provides valuable insights into the dynamics of inhospitable sub-ice settings and may lead to further exploration of remote undersea environments.
Deep-sea organisms rely on 'sinkers', discarded mucus nets of larvaceans, as a vital food source. Researchers found that these cast-off 'houses' carry large amounts of detritus and tiny animals towards the seafloor.
The report highlights the need for clear rules to regulate deep sea bioprospecting, citing growing concerns about exploitation and potential damage to sensitive ecosystems. Marine-derived drugs have significant economic value, with estimated annual profits of $1 billion from anti-cancer agents alone.
Researchers have drilled a historic hole in the Atlantic Ocean floor, collecting over 3,000 feet of core samples that will be analyzed for years to come. The discovery could provide new insights into how the ocean crust was formed and has evolved over time, challenging previous understanding of the Earth's interior.
Researchers aboard the drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution recovered rocks from over 4,644 feet below the sea floor, providing valuable information about the composition of the Earth. The effort missed its target of reaching the Earth's mantle by less than 1,000 feet, but will still provide important clues on how ocean crust forms.
Researchers found conditions unfavorable for methane gas hydrate formation in the northern Gulf of Mexico due to salt domes and hot sediments. The study suggests deposits may be thin or non-existent, contradicting previous estimates.
Researchers mimic seafloor conditions to study methane hydrate formation and decomposition, aiming to identify safe extraction methods. The study's findings may help develop strategies to tap into locked-up methane reserves.
Researchers found unique organisms thriving in highly alkaline fluids rich in methane and hydrogen, differing from black-smoker vent ecosystems. The discovery may provide insights into the origins of life on Earth and potential signs of life elsewhere.
UCSB scientists investigate seafloor hydrothermal fluid discharge to uncover insights into the origins of life on Earth. By studying subseafloor microbes and geological formations, researchers aim to understand how early life survived in a challenging environment.
Researchers found that small sections of the ocean floor may be rotating like imperfectly meshing cogs, contradicting previous expectations. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of complex plate boundaries and has significant implications for our understanding of plate tectonics.
New technologies such as multi-beam sonar enable detailed mapping of the ocean floor, revealing undersea mountains, new species and improving safety for shipping. This advancement allows for better management of marine resources, including fisheries and conservation efforts.
Scripps scientists challenge conventional theory on seamount chain formation by finding that hot spot chains can change direction due to processes unrelated to plate motion. The study provides new insights into the dynamics of the earth's interior and suggests alternative explanations for seamount patterns.
Scientists have created a mathematical model that accurately describes the evolution and movement of tectonic microplates, which are dynamic whirlpools of ocean floor found at mid-ocean ridges. The model uses a wax tank to simulate the ocean floor, replicating patterns seen in the Earth's crust.
The new CodaOctopus laboratory will map extensive areas of the sea bed using novel 3-D methods, providing visualisation for scientists and strategic decision makers. This collaboration aims to focus research on commercial requirements, developing further Cardiff University's marine reputation.
A new study reveals a mechanism controlling heat transfer and geological production at mid-ocean ridges. Researchers used a new seismic technique to study the Earth's mantle, finding that slow plate separation rates hinder melt production.
Scientists on a research cruise off the Alaskan coast have identified previously undiscovered deep-sea habitats and sparked debate about the causes of a devastating 1946 tsunami. The expedition used cutting-edge technology to map the seafloor, collect sediment samples, and probe the region with an ROV.
A massive infestation of invasive sea squirt Didemnum has been found on Georges Bank, covering 50% or more of the seabed. The species is threatening commercial fish species and altering seabed communities.
Researchers found that an ancient marine invasion led to a significant increase in regional diversity, with gamma diversity rising by 26% due to changes in beta diversity. The study suggests that habitat distribution or increased habitat diversity may have contributed to this increase.
A team of US marine scientists has discovered a new cluster of hydrothermal vents in the Lau Basin, a geologically unique back-arc basin. The vents are expected to hold secrets about the origin of life on Earth, and the discovery is part of an unprecedented research effort that includes multiple expeditions over the next two years.
USC researchers warn that a strong earthquake could trigger a tsunami in San Pedro Bay, potentially devastating the largest container ports in the US. The study found that a magnitude 7.6 earthquake could cause waves to build to nine feet inside the harbor, threatening ships and coastal areas.
Physical oceanographers investigate how sea floor structure affects the Gulf Stream's meandering behavior. They discover a new mechanism, jet equilibration, where counter-currents lead to a nearly straight path.
Researchers have successfully harnessed energy from plankton using a new type of fuel cell, generating up to 10% of the energy associated with plankton decomposition. This technology could extend survey missions for months or years without battery replacements.
A team of scientists has documented a new phenomenon where the seafloor creates a void that sucks in surrounding seawater. This discovery challenges scientific understanding of seafloor spreading and its impact on ocean crust. The researchers believe that the dilation of the ocean crust may lead to changes in water temperatures, chemic...
The researchers plan to put in four observatories this summer, enabling them to conduct a kind of standard hydrogeologic testing commonly done on land. The observatories will allow measurements of temperature, pressure, fluid chemistry, and microbiology to be obtained from different depths in the borehole.
Scientists can now spend an unlimited amount of time on the bottom of the ocean, sharing observations in real-time with colleagues worldwide. Internet2 technology was tested during a Black Sea expedition, allowing for the transmission of underwater video images and acoustic signals.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new mine-detection method that uses time reversal to locate buried objects in the ocean floor without complex modeling or arrays of sonar transmitters. The method simplifies equipment and analysis, making it more feasible for naval mine detection.
Scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute are studying the impact of carbon dioxide on the ocean, which could help predict global climate change. The research also explores the potential for iron fertilization to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.
Research suggests that gas hydrates, formed in deep-sea sediments, contain massive amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. These hydrates can charge and discharge variable amounts of methane constantly, responding to factors not yet understood. This finding necessitates a revised view of the carbon cycle.
Scientists use Raman spectrometer to analyze minerals, gases and liquids on the sea floor, tracking carbon dioxide levels and distinguishing between gas and liquid forms. The device could potentially trap carbon dioxide in clathrate hydrates, a promising method for climate change mitigation.
The new HROV will allow scientists to conduct routine research in the world's deepest ocean areas, mapping and surveying seafloor for up to 36 hours on battery power. The vehicle's advanced fiber optic micro cable enables real-time communication and maneuverability at unprecedented depths.
Researchers have identified a new class of ocean ridges with unique characteristics that challenge current understanding of plate tectonics and sea floor formation. These ultraslow spreading ridges may harbor significant mineral deposits, including copper and zinc, and provide insights into the Earth's mantle.
Researchers found a new type of ocean ridge where the sea floor splits apart by pulling up solid rock from deep within the Earth's mantle. These 'ultra-slow' ridges are characterized by widely spaced volcanoes and have implications for understanding plate tectonics.
Scientists from Japan, Canada, and the US conclude a 1700 Japan tsunami was caused by a magnitude 9 North American earthquake. Computer simulations reveal the Cascadia subduction zone can produce such a massive earthquake, posing a threat to coastal regions.
Researchers discovered that rapid lava eruption traps seawater, heating it to form steam bubbles trapped under glassy crusts. These findings support a subsurface biosphere and could alter lava flow dynamics.
Researchers investigate how La Jolla and Scripps Canyons near San Diego impact waves, currents, and beaches. The study uses a multidisciplinary approach with sensors, aircraft, and autonomous underwater vehicles to gather data on the dynamic nearshore environment.
A new study has found that mobile magma plumes, rather than stationary hotspots, are responsible for the formation of islands and subsurface mountains in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery challenges traditional theories of tectonic movement and sheds light on climate changes recorded in ancient rocks.
Researchers suggest that hydrothermal vent systems like Lost City could have supported early life due to their stability and chemical composition. The systems' ability to produce heat, minerals, and organic compounds for millions of years may have improved the chances for life to emerge and be sustained.
Scientists used an autonomous underwater vehicle to map two deepwater coral reefs, discovering well-developed reefs with nearly 100% living coral cover. The study provides new insights into the structure and composition of deeper coral reefs, which are essential for protecting commercial fisheries.
Scientists from NSF and DFG present striking new results from the Gakkel Ridge research cruise, which contradicts expectations of volcanic activity. The slowest spreading rate was found to have higher levels of volcanic activity than predicted, highlighting the importance of other factors in crust formation.
Researchers found microorganisms in seafloor samples from the Juan de Fuca plate, suggesting a microbial incubator of global proportions. The discovery challenges current understanding of oceanic crust and its potential for supporting life.
Scientists have discovered a hydrothermal siphon connecting two seamounts in the northeast Pacific, allowing water to flow northward over 50 kilometers. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding heat flow through the crust, ocean chemistry, and microbial communities living on the ocean floor.
Marine geologist Peter Rona describes a metal-rich mound, two-and-a-half miles under the Atlantic Ocean, composed of copper, iron, zinc, gold, and silver. The ocean's crust is cracked into plates that allow heat and materials to escape, creating habitats and energy for microbes that can be used in various applications.
Researchers found microorganisms thriving in deep-sea crust without consuming organic molecules, processing CO2 and inorganic compounds instead. The discovery challenges our understanding of the origins and diversity of life on Earth.
Paul Dayton, a renowned marine ecologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, has received the Diving Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking research on coastal and estuarine habitats. His work, including over 500 dives in Antarctica, has significantly advanced our understanding of Antarctic undersea ecology.
Researchers found that small-magnitude earthquakes and micro-cracking in a region called the process zone precede propagation, followed by nucleation of the rift axis and upwelling of magma. This new understanding can be applied to more complex rift settings in oceans and continents.
David Bottjer discovered that messier sediments held more advanced animal remains, suggesting churned conditions led to environmental pressure and evolutionary changes. This finding supports the idea that 'sod busters' accelerated the Cambrian explosion of new life forms by forcing earlier animals to adapt to harsh environments.
A team led by Tim Kusky has discovered the world's first large intact pieces of oceanic mantle from the planet's earliest period, dating back 2.5 billion years. The findings suggest that plate tectonics began shifting more than 500 million years earlier than previously believed.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a correlation between earthquakes and ocean tides, with seismic activity increasing during tidal lows. This study suggests that the seafloor crust is breathing with the ocean tides, allowing for regular tidal scheduling of seismic energy release.
The University of California, Berkeley, has deployed a first permanent broadband earthquake monitor in Monterey Bay, which will measure earthquake activity from the ocean side of the fractured fault zone. The instrument aims to reveal new information about seismic activity on the Pacific Plate and improve understanding of earthquakes.