Geology

MBARI geologist David Clague studies undersea volcanoes, trying to find out how they evolve over time and where their lava comes from.

Researchers study geologic and chemical processes that occur around deep-sea hydrothermal vents, where superheated water flows out of the seafloor.

Research on methane bubbling from the seafloor or being frozen into a crystalline structure from the extreme pressure and low temperature.

Geologist Charles Paull studies submarine canyons, trying to figure out how they form, and how much sediment and organic material they carry into the deep sea.