Marine Mineral Formations in the Arctic Ocean Challenge Existing Geologic Theories
A USGS study finds Arctic iron and manganese oxides formed from frictional heating along faults, not volcanic hydrothermal activity.
Investigating Relationships Between Deep-Sea Invertebrate Communities and Marine Minerals to Inform Resource Considerations
Scripps and USGS research maps how invertebrate communities differ on ferromanganese crusts versus phosphorites.
Deep-Sea Mining and Potential Impacts on Marine Ecosystems: New Study Highlights Geochemical Implications
A study simulating Clarion-Clipperton Zone mining plumes found elevated copper that could pose a hazard to mesopelagic life.
Traversing the Sea for Science: How USGS Uses the Federal Fleet to Study Natural Hazards, Resources, and More
USGS explains how Federal Fleet ship time supports its marine minerals, hazards and seafloor mapping work.
USGS Researchers Return to Eastern Galapágos Spreading Center
USGS returned to the Eastern Galapagos Spreading Center to study vents where massive sulfides may hold critical minerals.
A Review of Alaska’s Marine Mineral Resources
A USGS literature review pulls together what is known about critical minerals off Alaska's coasts and deep seafloor.
Deep Dive: Critical Mineral Resources in Escanaba Trough
Escanaba Trough is the only seafloor spreading center inside the U.S. EEZ, and its sulfides may hold critical minerals.
USGS Leads Research Expedition to Deep-sea Escanaba Trough
USGS, BOEM and NOAA ran a three-week expedition to Escanaba Trough with the ROV Jason and the AUV Sentry.
Exploring the Unknown in the Deep North Atlantic Ocean
NOAA and USGS explored New England and Corner Rise seamounts, where thick ferromanganese crusts coat pillow lavas.
Ferromanganese nodules on a deep-ocean seamount
USGS researchers found a ferromanganese nodule field between two peaks of Gosnold Seamount in the North Atlantic.