E/V Nautilus pilots embarked on an extraordinary adventure during the Luʻuaeaahikiikekumu expedition, exploring the Ancient Seamounts of Liliʻuokalani Ridge. Witness their remarkable discovery in the captivating video below. In this thrilling expedition, the team utilizes a robotic arm to collect samples of manganese crust from the seafloor, achieving remarkable success.
Their skilled use of The Claw allows the team to closely examine a cluster of ferromanganese crust, a marine sedimentary mineral deposit composed of iron and manganese oxides. With the sample secured, the vessel continues its journey and unexpectedly encounters a seemingly dry expanse known as the “baked crust,” revealing a cobblestone “yellow brick road.”
“What is that?” exclaims one researcher. “The road to Atlantis,” suggests another.
“Although it may resemble a ‘yellow brick road’ leading to the mythical city of Atlantis, it is actually an extraordinary example of ancient active volcanic geology!” explains EVNautilus on YouTube. This peculiar geological formation is found along a section of the Nootka Seamount summit within the Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
Initially resembling a dried lake bed, it has now been identified as hyaloclastite, a type of volcanic rock formed when energetic eruptions deposit fragments into the seabed. The brick-like appearance is a result of repeated heating and cooling over time, caused by subsequent eruptions in the region.
Imagine it as the top of a delicious brownie; the surface is solid but can crack due to changes in temperature. Similarly, this ancient volcanic rock has experienced similar behavior, albeit over an extended period and with a more intriguing flavor.
The pilots’ excitement upon making this extraordinary observation is palpable in the video. However, this is just the beginning of their exploration of these seamounts, as it marks the first-ever survey of this underwater region. Their objective is to unravel the mystery behind a perplexing split in the seamount trail, but who knows what other surprises await them along the way.
Last year, the same expedition captured astonishing footage of a swimming headless chicken monster. Clearly, they are in for more awe-inspiring discoveries.
[H/T: CNET]
