A research vessel surveying the seafloor of the Virginia coast made an interesting discovery last fall through the unexplained rise of bubbles to the top of the water. Since then, a team has been sent back to investigate, and has come to the conclusion that there is a methane seep coming from under the seafloor. The presence of the seep has quickly brought about a growing ecosystem of immigrant species. Methane-harnessing bacteria were the first organisms to enter, finding an easy way for them to break down energy. Mussels arrived, and now thrive by the seep because of their symbiotic relationship with the bacteria. Spider crab and other unidentified fish have also been confirmed to orbit the methane seep. Scientists are growing increasingly curious as to what effect the presence of the seep has on the ecosystem on the seafloor off the East Coast.
NOS Themes:
- Science is collaborative
- Science is supported by strong evidence
- Role of motivation ans curiosity
According to this article, it states that methane seeps are important because "they involve the transfer of carbon from the ground to the atmosphere" (Main). Which is good to know about how much change is happening naturally and by humans. The generator for this gas is unknown. It can either "arise from microbial activity in shallow deposits of organic material, or it can come from more deep-seated processes involving oil formation" (Main).
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57562057/40-seafloor-gas-seeps-found-off-u.s-east-coast/