"Scientists Uncover Cause of Mysterious Seafloor Holes Off California Coast"
Researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have partially solved the mystery of ancient circular depressions off the coast of Central California, known as the Sur Pockmark Field. These depressions, which are around 150 meters wide and 5 meters deep on average, are maintained by sediment gravity flows, a type of underwater avalanche. However, the initial cause of these formations remains unknown. The study, which involved mapping and sediment sampling, provides valuable data for resource managers considering offshore infrastructure.