Ocean floor witnessed splitting apart for the first time – releasing lava
8 hours ago
- #seafloor_spreading
- #mid-ocean_ridge
- #geophysics
- First real-time observation of seafloor spreading with an array of measuring stations in the Indian Ocean.
- Event released ~160 million cubic meters of lava and shifted oceanic crust by at least 2 meters in days.
- Study focused on the Southeast Indian Ridge, where plates move apart ~6 cm/year, with intermittent bursts.
- Instruments included hydrophones and acoustic beacons to detect earthquakes and measure crustal movements.
- Findings address gaps in understanding eruption frequency and tectonic dynamics at mid-ocean ridges.