A new geochronology of Mesozoic magmatism along the eastern margin of North America shows that continental breakup involved three distinct pulses of magmatism that localized extensional deformation.
seafloor
A Transatlantic Communications Cable Does Double Duty
A new device enables existing submarine cable networks to measure deep-sea movements. It could ultimately help improve tsunami warnings and climate monitoring.
Anchoring Is Damaging the Fragile Antarctic Seabed
Scientists call for better protection of Antarctica’s vulnerable seafloor ecosystem as ship traffic increases around the continent.
Mapping Mud Volcanoes in Shallow Seas
A team of scientists put together a global database of submarine mud volcanoes. Orders of magnitude more are still bubbling, undiscovered, in the deep ocean.
Scientists Face Limitations Accessing Seafloor Information
Recent reductions in U.S. oceanographic assets are limiting scientists’ ability to access vital materials in the ocean.
Mapping the Ocean Floor with Ancient Tides
A new study uses a paleotidal model to trace the formation of carbon-rich mud deposits over thousands of years.
Avalanches of Microplastics Carry Pollution into the Deep Sea
Scientists observed a once-theorized process ferrying microplastics into the deep ocean.
Unlocking Climate Secrets of Hawai‘i’s Drowned Reefs
Researchers set sail to study sea levels, climate, ecosystem responses, and volcanic histories over the past 500,000 years, using an innovative seabed drill to sample fossilized reefs off Hawai‘i.
Thriving Antarctic Ecosystem Revealed by a Departing Iceberg
A quick-calving iceberg gave scientists a rare glimpse into what hides beneath Antarctic ice.
A Seafloor Spreading Slowdown May Have Slashed Sea Levels
Between 15 million and 6 million years ago, a drop in ocean crust production may have lowered sea level by 26–32 meters.