Presenter(s):
William Chadwick, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center

Primary Convener:
Holly Morin, University of Rhode Island

The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), is a science-driven ocean observing network that delivers data from more than 900 instruments that measure physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes, from the seafloor to the atmosphere. NSF OOI data are freely available and new science is emerging. This is especially true for Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano located about 300 miles off the Oregon coast. It is the most active submarine volcano in the NE Pacific and is displaying behavior indicative of an impending eruption. The OOI Regional Cabled Array hosts over 20 multidisciplinary cabled instruments at Axial and provides real-time monitoring, which will illuminate key processes before, during, and after this eruption. Coregistered measurements of earthquakes, seafloor deformation, and hydrothermal activity are key to understanding mid-ocean ridges that form the largest mountain chain on Earth. Featuring a keynote on the current status of Axial Seamount and multidisciplinary lightning presentations, this Town Hall, hosted by the OOI Facility Board (OOIFB), will highlight ongoing research and provide monitoring updates. The OOIFB invites researchers and educators to attend this event, engage in discussion, and learn more about NE Pacific seafloor volcanism and the NSF OOI.

Cross-Listed:
NS - Near Surface Geophysics
DI - Study of the Earth´s Deep Interior
B - Biogeosciences
V - Volcanology‚ Geochemistry and Petrology
S - Seismology
OS - Ocean Sciences