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

– Conclusion Video

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?

• 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

Exploring Submarine Volcanoes