The unusual geological feature was documented within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument during an expedition by the Ocean Exploration Trust’s vessel E/V Nautilus. Low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of volcanic glass deposited iron oxyhydroxide, giving the fractured rock its striking yellowish hue. This observation was part of an extensive survey programme that conducted 120 uncrewed vehicle deployments across the region. During that same field season, scientists also retrieved biological and fossil specimens, including a Megalodon tooth and deep-sea coral communities.
Key points
Natural volcanic fracturing and hydrothermal chemical alterations can produce deep-sea fo…: Natural volcanic fracturing and hydrothermal chemical alterations can produce deep-sea formations that mimic human-made paved roads.
The expedition carried out 120 uncrewed vehicle deployments to survey uncharted marine ha…: The expedition carried out 120 uncrewed vehicle deployments to survey uncharted marine habitats and geological structures.
Field operations during the same research season successfully recovered fossilised whale…: Field operations during the same research season successfully recovered fossilised whale bones and a preserved Megalodon tooth.
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A strange formation resembling a yellow brick road was discovered on the Pacific Ocean floor during an expedition by the Ocean Exploration Trust’s research vessel E/V Nautilus. The structure was found at a depth of 1,029 metres near Nootka Seamount, within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Its unusually regular pattern made it resemble a brick sidewalk, but scientists identified it as a natural geological formation.
According to a report published by The Oceanography Society on the Ocean Exploration Trust’s 2022 field season, the formation likely consists of fractured hyaloclastite, a type of volcanic rock created when hot magma meets cold water. Researchers suggested that its yellow colour likely resulted from low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of the volcanic glass.
Scientists spotted a yellow brick road 1,029 metres beneath the Pacific
The unusual pattern was observed during an E/V Nautilus expedition in the Pacific. The formation lay at a depth of 1,029 metres near Nootka Seamount, inside Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Its fractures intersect at right angles, giving it the look of a brick sidewalk.
The resemblance prompted the description ‘yellow brick road’,…
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