Deep-sea observatory records 500,000-fold faster seafloor spreading near Antarctica
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A deep-sea observatory between Antarctica and Australia recorded a massive magma intrusion and fault ruptures on the ocean floor in late April 2024. The seafloor separation rate reached about 5 centimeters per minute, roughly 500,000 times faster than normal seafloor spreading. The event was captured in unprecedented detail by the OHA-GEODAMS system.
Key Facts
- About 150 million cubic meters of magma spread into cracks beneath the seafloor in late April 2024.
- The seafloor separation rate reached about 5 centimeters per minute, roughly 500,000 times faster than normal seafloor spreading.
- The OHA-GEODAMS deep-sea observatory recorded the event between Antarctica and Australia.
Magma Intrusion
In late April 2024, approximately 150 million cubic meters of magma spread into cracks beneath the seafloor between Antarctica and Australia. The magma movement was followed by earthquakes in the region. The OHA-GEODAMS system observed the magma intrusion and subsequent fault movements.
Seafloor Spreading Rate
The seafloor separation rate reached about 5 centimeters per minute. This rate was approximately 500,000 times faster than normal seafloor spreading. Researchers stated that the observations provide rare and direct evidence of how magma movements and tectonic processes shape the seafloor.
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