Seafloor
If we could drain the oceans, the world's deepest valleys, highest mountain ranges and volcanoes would be revealed. Each of these geological features supports a rich diversity of marine life. Hot, mineral-rich waters flow into the oceans from hydrothermal vents, resulting in localised high concentrations of rare metals that are in high demand for the manufacture of electronic devices. Scientists at NOC are studying the geology and biology of the seafloor and the deep ocean currents that flow over the spectacular submarine mountain ranges, valleys and canyons.
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Bottom currents
The circulation of ocean currents around the world is not restricted to surface waters. Deeper circulation, driven by the sinking of cold dense water at high latitudes, also generates currents through the whole depth of the ocean. This deep circulation also makes an important contribution towards heat and energy exchange between the Poles and the Equator . Read more →
Mid ocean ridges
Standing on the seashore and looking out to sea, we are met with a continuous surface of moving water that covers ¾ of the Earth’s surface. This is the ocean and what lies beneath it determines the history of our planet. While the continents form the dry land that we, as humans, consider our home, the ocean floor lies at an average depth of 3790m. This is well beyond the reach of sunlight or our ability to see it. But why is there the distinction between land and ocean? The answer lies at the heart of geology!
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Hydrothermal vents
Hydrothermal systems are one of the most spectacular manifestations of the linkages between crustal processes and the deep oceanic system
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Continental margins
Continental margins are broad sections of gently sloping ocean floor that separate the relatively flat and shallow continental shelf from the deep ocean basins. Although slope angles on continental margins are typically less than 5o, these areas can experience highly dynamic and potentially destructive processes such as landslides, sediment flows and strong bottom currents.Read more →
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Hydrate dissociation
Gas hydrates are naturally occurring ice-like crystals that form at high pressure and low temperature in marine sediments at water depths greater than 300m whenever there is sufficient methane and pore water. Gas hydrates are widespread around the world and are often underlain by potentially vast fields of free gas. Together the gas hydrate and underlying free gas reservoirs comprise almost half of the Earth's organic carbon.Read more →
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Submarine canyons
Submarine canyons are major incisions into the continental slope and continental rise, eroded by sediment-laden gravity flows as they travel downslope.They are characterised by steep topography and can be similar in scale to the Grand Canyon on land.Read more →
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Seafloor and habitat mapping
The NOC Seafloor and Habitat Mapping Group has developed technology, expertise and collaborative partnerships that enable us to undertake seafloor and habitat mapping in any part of the ocean, at any water depth, covering all habitats from the seafloor to the sea surface.Read more →
