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Ocean Exploration. Mid Ocean Ridge is the largest contiguous feature on the Earth’s Surface. More than 80% of Volcanic Eruptions on Earth take place under water. Vents-PMEL Mission and Goals. Ecosystems Identify, Characterize, Understand, Preserve Ocean Resources Exploration and Research
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Ocean Exploration • Mid Ocean Ridge is the largest contiguous feature on the Earth’s Surface. • More than 80% of Volcanic Eruptions on Earth take place under water.
Vents-PMEL Mission and Goals • Ecosystems • Identify, Characterize, Understand, Preserve • Ocean Resources • Exploration and Research • Study Sites to provide understanding about pressing global issues • Carbon Sequestration (Reservoirs, Fe-Fert) • Ocean acidification • Microbial behavior in extreme environments • Provide Information for Management • ConclusionVideo
Exploring Submarine Volcanoes • The chemical impact of submarine volcanoes on the oceans is significant. • Volcanoes add a large amount of CO2 the ocean • However submarine Volcanoes DO NOT put more CO2 into the oceans than man (about 1%). • The Actual Flux is still poorly known especially CO2 flux from submarine arc volcanoes. • Volcanoes are a significant source of Fe to the oceans • Deep ocean Fe is thought to reach the surface • Near Surface Eruptions and hydrothermal systems • "US Government Position on Ocean Fertilization," • NOAA's "State of the Science Fact Sheet on Ocean Fertilization." • Submarine volcanoes produce significant Ore deposits • Historically as well as in modern ocean • International Conglomerates are interested in mining in areas that we have studied • What are impacts • What is the Baseline? • Can we learn about the impacts from our studies? • Can we learn about the impacts from land based mines ues of submarine tailings disposal?
Exploring Submarine Volcanoes • Submarine Volcanoes host significant and diverse ecosystems • Characterization • Distribution • Global Diversity • Understanding Our planet • Origin of life • Effects of Ocean acidification • Effects from Fe-Fertilization • Bio-prospecting • Unique DNA strands • Breakdown of industrial chemicals • Ocean Impacts of Mining