Turbidity currents are cascades of sediment that tumble down Earth’s 9000 submarine canyons carrying carbon, plastics and pharmaceuticals into the deep sea. We are finally learning just how often these dramatic events occur
IN NOVEMBER 1929, a huge earthquake in the Grand Banks off the south coast of Newfoundland in Canada sent tremors as far as New York. As the sea floor shook, a vast quantity of sand and mud began to stir up and flow down a canyon, gathering momentum as it went, creating a dramatic underwater avalanche. It involved enough material to make two Mount Everests and triggered aThis is the biggest known example of an undersea avalanche, but it wasn’t a one-off.
For hundreds of years, the only witnesses to these events were fish and deep-sea creatures, which might have been carried out to sea or fed by the nutrient-rich sediments that the currents carry with them. More recently, ruptured gas pipelines and broken communication cables were proof that something extreme was going on. Over the past few years, however, things have started to change.
Now, thanks to a series of experiments and a bit of luck, we have captured these Earth-carving events in action. It turns out the mazes of underwater canyons, many of which were long thought to be geologically inactive, are anything but. Armed with new data, researchers have begun to piece together a better picture of what submarine avalanches are like, how they shape Earth and their vital role in locking away the carbon warming our world.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Is This Video of a 'Praying Hands' Cloud Formation Real?The term 'pareidolia' is a heck of a mouthful.
Leer más »
An asteroid will pass close by Earth this week. Here's how to watch it liveThe asteroid will pass between Earth and satellites in geostationary orbit.
Leer más »
This Calming Moisturizer Is Saving My Skin From Retin-A Dryness'A sumptuous product perfect for wintertime, when you need something a little bit more luxurious to stave off excess dryness.'
Leer más »
Underwater treadmills, heated rehab pools: How vets are building palatial pet clinicsThe pet industry can’t keep pace with the rapid growth of animal adoptions during the pandemic, so doctors are expanding their services.
Leer más »
Sabretooth and the Exiles #3 Preview: Astral VacationTo save reality, the team investigates a mysterious Orchis station inside the Astral Plane in this preview of Sabretooth and the Exiles 3. comics marvel
Leer más »
A trip down the most mysterious road in CaliforniaA crucifix-shaped swimming pool crumbles in the desert sun.
Leer más »