Hydrothermal field discovered at the East Pacific Rise 9°54’N
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 21 July 2022
Scientists discovered a large, hot off-axis hydrothermal vent field on the East Pacific Rise, expanding understanding of deep-sea ecosystems. Named YBW-Sentry, the site highlights the power of AUV Sentry and suggests more undiscovered vents exist.
Keywords: hydrothermal vent, East Pacific Rise, WHOI, AUV Sentry, deep-sea, ocean mapping
Weddell seal moms sacrifice their diving capacity to provide iron to their pups
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 2 August 2022
Weddell seal mothers transfer large amounts of iron to pups during lactation, sacrificing their own diving ability. This natural trade-off could leave them more vulnerable as climate change shifts ocean productivity patterns.
Keywords: Weddell seals, iron transfer, lactation, dive capacity, climate change, ocean productivity
Geological carbon sequestration in mantle rocks prevents large earthquakes in parts of the San Andreas Fault
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 17 August 2022
Researchers found that carbonation of serpentinite in segments of the San Andreas Fault creates talc, a weak mineral that promotes aseismic creep. This natural process may help prevent major quakes and has implications for global fault systems.
Keywords: San Andreas Fault, aseismic creep, serpentinite, carbonation, talc, CO₂-rich fluids
