The unique ecosystems and biodiversity associated with mid-ocean ridge (MOR) hydrothermal vent systems contrast sharply with surrounding deep-sea habitats, however both may be increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activity (e.g., mining activities at massive sulphide deposits). Climate change can alter the deep-sea through increased bottom temperatures, loss of oxygen, and modifications to deep water circulation. Despite the potential of these profound impacts, the mechanisms enabling these systems and their ecosystems to persist, function and respond to oceanic, crustal, and anthropogenic forces remain poorly understood. This is due primarily to technological challenges and difficulties in accessing, observing and monitoring the deep-sea. In this context, the development of deep-sea observatories in the 2000s focused on understanding the coupling between sub-surface flow and oceanic and crustal conditions, and how they influence biological processes. Deep-sea observatories provide
4-H members learn about marine geology
Eian Pracht
Members of area 4-H clubs got a dramatic demonstration this week of the power of the ocean, from volume and pressure alone.
Marine geologist Aida Farough showed more than 30 participants in an online district-wide meeting about marine geology the results of one of her experiments. She took a six-inch foam coffee cup down about 12,000 feet to the bottom of the ocean.
She showed the participants a picture of the cup after it returned, compressed to only about 2 inches high.
Members of the Central Kansas District and Smoky View 4-H Club attended the meeting about marine geology on January 14.
Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021
MANHATTAN The Rural Education Center in the Kansas State University College of Education has received a $340,000 National Science Foundation grant for using drones and other technology to encourage rural students interest in geoscience degrees and careers. SOARING: Sharing Opportunities, Approaches, and Resources in New Geo-teaching is a three-year grant that will provide training on the latest in geotechnology for teachers and students at middle schools and high schools in eight partner rural school districts. It will target geotechnology applications of airborne remote sensing in the areas of environmental and hazardous geology, water resources and geology mapping.
According to current data, Project SOARING will likely reach more than 4,400 middle and high school students in Kansas, including more than 1,900 female rural students, 2,200 Hispanic/Latino rural students and more than 200 students underrepresented in STEM fields. School districts i