1. Ocean Exploration Mid Ocean Ridge is the largest contiguous feature on the Earth’s Surface. More than 80% of Volcanic Eruptions on Earth take place under water.

2. Vents-PMEL Mission and Goals Ecosystems –Identify, Characterize, Understand, PreserveIdentify, Characterize, Understand, Preserve Ocean Resources Exploration and Research –Study Sites to provide understanding about pressing global issues »Carbon Sequestration (Reservoirs, Fe-Fert)Fe-Fert »Ocean acidificationOcean acidification »Microbial behavior in extreme environments Provide Information for Management –ConclusionVideoConclusionVideo

3. Exploring Submarine Volcanoes The chemical impact of submarine volcanoes on the oceans is significant. –Volcanoes add a large amount of CO 2 the ocean However submarine Volcanoes DO NOT put more CO 2 into the oceans than man (about 1%). The Actual Flux is still poorly known especially CO 2 flux from submarine arc volcanoes. –Volcanoes are a significant source of Fe to the oceans Deep ocean Fe is thought to reach the surface Near Surface Eruptions and hydrothermal systems –"US Government Position on Ocean Fertilization," –NOAA's "State of the Science Fact Sheet on Ocean Fertilization." –Submarine volcanoes produce significant Ore deposits Historically as well as in modern ocean International Conglomerates are interested in mining in areas that we have studied –What are impacts »What is the Baseline? –Can we learn about the impacts from our studies? –Can we learn about the impacts from land based mines ues of submarine tailings disposal?

4. Submarine Volcanoes host significant and diverse ecosystems –Characterization –Distribution –Global Diversity Understanding Our planet –Origin of life –Effects of Ocean acidification –Effects from Fe-Fertilization –Bio-prospecting Unique DNA strands Breakdown of industrial chemicals –Ocean Impacts of Mining Exploring Submarine Volcanoes