Articles tagged with Sea Floor
A new review paper highlights the global scope of the underwater munitions problem, with over a million tons of intact and corroding munitions littering the Baltic and North Seas. The chemicals released from these munitions pose significant risks to marine ecosystems, including carcinogenic and cyto- and genotoxic effects.
Researchers Matthew Alford and Thomas Peacock call for collaborative scientific research to inform the future of seabed mining. The study highlights the importance of sediment plumes in assessing marine life impacts and recommends limited-scale operations with academic researchers.
A new study reveals the Mississippi River Delta is experiencing seafloor erosion at an alarming rate, threatening marine ecosystems and infrastructure. The research, published in Marine Geology, found that sediment deposition has stopped, leading to land loss and degradation of wetlands and seafloors.
A new study from the University of Washington found that early Earth's temperature was moderate, not extremely hot or cold, allowing for a stable climate that enabled life to emerge. This discovery is significant for the search for life on other planets, as it suggests that habitable zones may retain stable climates.
The SUGAR project has expanded knowledge of gas hydrates in the seafloor and developed technologies for environmental monitoring. Companies from Germany have successfully tested methane extraction from submarine hydrate deposits, with interest from Asian countries like Japan and China.
An international team of geoscientists has discovered an extensive buried mass of material on the seafloor, thought to have been eroded by the Zanclean flood. The mass covers an area equivalent to the island of Crete and is up to 900m thick in places.
Researchers identified a bending fault line in the Pacific Ocean as the likely cause of the 7.1 magnitude Puebla earthquake, which caused significant damage in Mexico City. The study suggests that earthquakes like this one may be more common than previously thought in a region southeast of Mexico City.
A mission is underway to lower sub-seafloor observatories into the Hikurangi subduction zone off New Zealand. This expedition aims to understand why destructive tsunamis occur after shallow earthquakes and underwater landslides, shedding light on New Zealand's largest earthquake and tsunami hazard.
Researchers from GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel identified a stratification of the seafloor as responsible for at least one landslide in the region. The discovery was made by combining drilling and seismic data, which revealed a layer of clay overlying ooze composed of fossil planktonic organisms.
A team of researchers found that rapid changes in sedimentation, not warming ocean waters, played a key role in destabilizing gas hydrates. The study used computer models and data from the Nyegga area to simulate the evolution of the seabed and response of gas hydrates during this period.
University of Oregon geologists discovered unusual seafloor structures indicating heightened worldwide magmatic activity 66 million years ago after the Chicxulub meteor struck. The research suggests seismic waves from the impact triggered accelerated volcanism globally, contributing to a mass extinction event.
The study reveals that methane hydrate melts from the Arctic sea floor due to sea floor uplift, causing a slow and steady methane release over 8000 years. The research suggests that this process is more likely than ocean warming as the cause of methane seeps in the region.
A new study warns of long-lasting consequences from seabed mining, which could destroy deep-sea ecosystems and affect marine life globally. The research highlights the need for precautions and alternative approaches to mitigate potential harm.
A research team led by University of Tasmania and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution explored the Havre volcano using autonomous underwater vehicle and remotely operated vehicle. They found that the eruption was larger than expected, with more than 70% of volcanic activity occurring on the seafloor.
Scientists discovered fossil evidence of deep-sea marine life burrowing up to eight meters below the seabed, which is four times deeper than previously thought. The findings suggest that deep-sea burrowing marine life may be more abundant than previously considered.
A new species of marine worm Xenoturbella has been discovered, providing insights into the early evolution of complex animals. The discovery sheds light on the origins of structures such as kidneys and a centralized nervous system.
A two-year study in Monterey Canyon challenged existing paradigms on turbidity currents, finding sediment-transport events are more common and complex than previously thought. Researchers observed multiple turbidity currents with large-scale movements of the entire seafloor, which changed character as they moved down-canyon.
A research team has developed a model that predicts biodiversity on the Antarctic seafloor using satellite data and ocean currents. The model's predictions have been verified by physical sampling of seafloor sediments, providing valuable insights for conservation and management.
Researchers have discovered a 'shadow zone' around 2km below the sea surface where ancient water has remained isolated for centuries. This region's unique shape and geothermal heat sources trap ocean water, suspended in an area with minimal vertical movement.
Researchers have created high-resolution maps of Greenland's bedrock and coastal seafloor, showing that two to four times more glacier fronts are at risk of accelerated melting than previously thought. The new data suggests that warmer ocean water is melting deeper-seated glaciers, potentially increasing sea level rise.
A new study finds that deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules poses a significant threat to the Plenaster craigi sponge species. The removal of these metal-rich nodules disrupts the sponge's filtering habits, making it vulnerable to extinction.
Thousand-year-old iceberg marks in Pine Island Bay show how West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreated rapidly as it balanced on sloping ground. Researchers warn that similar instability may occur again due to global warming, triggering rapid ice retreat and sea-level rise.
A new DNA study has revealed a 2000% increase in our knowledge of seafloor molluscs in the Pacific Clarion Clipperton Zone. This includes the discovery of 21 previously unknown species, including one considered a living fossil.
The MIPT Center for Molecular Electronics developed a seismic station that can reveal underground reservoir structures at great depths. The device has a wider bandwidth than existing seismic stations, allowing it to pick up low-frequency waves and detect potential hydrocarbon reserves more effectively.
Researchers discover two new crustacean species in deep waters off the northwest coast of Spain, both blind and measuring just a few millimeters. The species are distinct despite sharing their lack of eyes, with one belonging to the Photidae family and the other to the Corophiidae family.
Scientists have discovered a new group of sponges in the central Pacific Ocean that could serve as an indicator species for measuring the impact of deep-sea mining. The newly found sponge species, Plenaster craigi, is abundant on metal-rich nodules at depths of 4000m and has been described from two expeditions to the region.
A new study predicts that 79% of species native to the region will lose out due to warming, with more animals losing suitable habitat than gaining it. The average warming of 0.4 degrees predicted by 2099 will cause unique local species to change their distribution.
New study reveals that methane leaks around North Sea boreholes could be a major source of greenhouse gases, with up to 17,000 tonnes released per year. Scientists estimate that about one third of the over 11,000 wells drilled in the North Sea are leaking methane.
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that methane hydrates in the Arctic Ocean are not a significant contributor to global warming. The researchers found that hydrates are already seeping methane for thousands of years, and this process is not affected by short-term temperature warming.
Scientists warn of alarming gaps in basic knowledge of deep sea life as human activities intensify. Despite this, recent technological advancements enable the collection of genetic information about populations, shedding light on their interconnectedness.
A new study by MBARI researchers reveals that giant larvaceans collect and consume microplastic particles in the deep sea. These particles accumulate in the animals' cast-off filters and are passed into their fecal pellets, which sink rapidly to the seafloor, potentially carrying microplastics to the deep seafloor.
Researchers have mapped a geologic structure off Alaska's seafloor that suggests high tsunami danger, with similar features found in Japan and potentially elsewhere in the Pacific. The discovery highlights the need for better understanding of subduction zones and their potential hazards.
Researchers will drill into the seafloor of Zealandia, examining a shift in plate movement that occurred 50 million years ago. The expedition aims to understand the timing and causes of this change, which led to the development of new volcanoes and changes in ocean circulation patterns.
Expedition 371 investigates shift in Pacific Plate movement, which formed subduction zone and altered ocean circulation patterns. Cores collected at six Tasman Sea sites will help scientists understand timing and causes of these changes and their impact on Earth's climate.
Researchers are still unsure how organic compounds form in hydrothermal vents on the sea floor, a key area of study as it may hold clues to the origin of life. A new NSF-funded project aims to bridge this gap by simulating conditions and generating compounds from inorganic components.
Paleontologists have found a lost ecosystem of scallops and brachiopods off southern California's coast that thrived for at least 4,000 years before dying off due to siltation from unmanaged land use. The researchers used molecular dating and geologic methods to analyze dead shells and conclude that the collapse of the brachiopod-scall...
A study has mapped nearly two square kilometers of seafloor around the leeward side of Bonaire, revealing new details about mesophotic reefs. The data can help local conservation efforts by identifying areas worthy of further investigation and providing insights into reef dynamics.
A new atlas presents the most comprehensive high-resolution imagery of the Polar Regions seafloor, showcasing thousands of square kilometers of geological phenomena. The atlas enables researchers to study past glaciers and ice sheets, gaining insights into climate change and Earth's history.
Researchers found sea floor erosion has increased water depths by more than predicted, threatening coastal communities with storms and erosion. Coral reefs worldwide are declining due to various forces, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
A field campaign on Ellef Ringnes Island revealed over 130 methane seep mounds in Cretaceous age sediments, indicating a significant release of methane during climate warming. The discovery supports concerns of potential destabilization of modern methane hydrates and has important implications for the Arctic Ocean's warming.
Scientists from Southwest Research Institute have discovered hydrogen gas in the plume of material erupting from Saturn's moon Enceladus, indicating ongoing hydrothermal activity. This finding suggests that Enceladus' ocean floor could support life similar to that found near hydrothermal vents on Earth.
Researchers found evidence of how ancient Britain separated from Europe in two stages, with a proglacial lake overflowing into the North Sea. The team discovered plunge pools in the Dover Strait, created by water cascading over an escarpment, suggesting a catastrophic failure that released megafloods.
A 425-million-year-old fossil find from the Austrian Alps reveals juvenile crinoids were carried by objects floating in ancient oceans. The discovery sheds light on the behavior of early sea lilies, suggesting they spent part of their youth drifting across vast distances.
Scientists have discovered novel viruses in oceanic basement fluids, infecting microorganisms and influencing the chemical balance of oceans. The study provides insights into the origins of life and the role of viruses in shaping life on Earth.
Researchers have sequenced genomes of microorganisms in Aarhus Bay's subsurface seabed, showing they grow in slow motion with generation times up to 100 years. The extreme environment leads to low adaptability and minimal energy availability.
Researchers discovered five previously unknown active hydrothermal vents and a new vent site, featuring unique creatures thriving in extreme conditions. The vents emit hot water and particles, supporting life forms that rely on chemosynthetic bacteria for food.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution suggest the mantle could be 60°C hotter than estimated, affecting tectonic plate movement and ocean basin formation. This finding may help explain the formation of the seafloor and the movement of rigid plates.
The deep ocean floor may experience drastic changes in biodiversity by 2100 due to warming temperatures, increased acidification, and reduced food supply. This will lead to the dominance of smaller organisms, with some species thriving while others die or migrate to other areas.
A panel of experts will examine the pros and cons of seafloor mining, its engineering feasibility, and legal and societal implications at the AAAS meeting. Current exploration contracts have been signed by 27 countries, with the first project set to begin in 2019.
Two research papers use OMG observations to document how meltwater and ocean currents interact along Greenland's west coast, improving seafloor maps used to predict future melting and sea level rise. The study also reveals the role of meltwater in cooling warmer subsurface water and tracking its impact on glacier melt rates.
Researchers from GEOMAR suggest that subsea mining in coastal areas could be a promising alternative to deep-sea mining. The continental shelf, which has primarily been explored for oil and gas deposits, holds many mineral resources, including gold, nickel, and lead-zinc deposits.
An international team of researchers published seafloor maps revealing current activity at a plate boundary off Sicily and Calabria. The study provides new insights into the geological processes in the region, which has been hit by devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in the past.
Researchers from Texas A&M University captured the first-ever footage of a living stylodactylid shrimp filter-feeding at a staggering depth of 4826 meters. The high-quality video reveals the shrimp using its front legs to form a 'filter basket' and captures unprecedented behavior among carideans.
New study reveals large oceanic features that enable warm water to reach glacier undersides, fueling rapid retreat. The findings highlight the importance of ocean heat access in controlling glacier behavior.
Researchers analyzed 125 major petroleum hydrocarbons from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to determine their long-term environmental impact. They found that smaller, simpler compounds degrade faster, while larger ones persist longer, and that physical context plays a significant role in this process.
Researchers discovered a new species of deep-sea octopus that guards its eggs on sponges attached to manganese nodules. The species' dependence on the nodules suggests industrial resource extraction must be preceded by ecological investigations.
Scientists discovered that large bumps and mounds on the sea floor can cause sudden slip of tectonic plates, triggering giant earthquakes. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, could lead to more accurate models for forecasting where megathrust earthquakes are likely to occur.
A new species of octopod, the 'Casper', has been found at record-breaking ocean depths, and its eggs are laid on sponges attached to seafloor nodules rich in valuable metals. The removal of these nodules may put the lifecycle of these octopods at risk due to their association with manganese crusts.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered six new animal species in undersea hot springs off the coast of Madagascar. The unique marine life was found around hydrothermal vents, highlighting the importance of exploring other hydrothermal vents in the southwest Indian Ocean to assess potential impacts from mining.
Researchers have created a new seafloor map that provides detailed information about the 2015 eruption at Axial Seamount. The map reveals 14 separate lava flows containing nearly 156 million cubic meters of lava, as well as precise locations of eruptive fissures.