New research suggests the source of morphologic variation on mid-ocean ridges might be deeper than scientists thought.
seafloor
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Subducted Seamounts May Lead to Larger Earthquakes
New findings show that underwater mountains may increase friction along subduction zones, building up stress and making larger ruptures more likely.
Posted inFeatures
There is No JOIDES in Mudville
After almost 4 decades of research, the JOIDES Resolution will retire in 2024, leaving the ocean floor in peace (for now).
Posted inNews
Arenas de aguas profundas y dónde encontrarlas
Antiguas avalanchas submarinas llevaron arena al abismo oceánico en el momento en que algunos menos lo esperaban.
Posted inNews
Shifts in Tectonic Plates Change Biodiversity
A 36-million-year cycle of marine biodiversity booms and busts matches the movements of plate tectonics, linking what happens deep below the ocean to what’s happening in it.
Posted inNews
Decoding an Ancient Tsunami from the Ground Up
The seafloor around Santorini is helping scientists investigate forces behind the devastating Minoan tsunami.
Posted inNews
Scientists Discover a Way of Forming Suspended Layers of Sediment
Laboratory experiments suggest that underwater gas eruptions—due to the venting of gas hydrates, for example—could trigger the formation of layers of suspended sediment in the ocean.
Posted inNews
Supersized Potholes Discovered off South African Coast
Curious circular pits off South Africa’s Eastern Cape coast are larger than any similar feature previously recorded. Their origin remains a morphological mystery.
Posted inNews
Tracking Marine Heat Waves
Heat waves can happen in the depths, invisible at the ocean surface.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
The Depleted Mantle Merry-Go-Round
Abyssal peridotites show through their isotopic composition a complex history. From differences we can infer the existence of ultra depleted mantle and an uneven contribution to ridge magmatism.