Unraveling the Force of Ancient Ocean Currents
Researchers from the University of Bremen have conducted flume-tank experiments to simulate how ocean currents shape the seafloor and control sediment deposition. These experiments provide insights into past marine conditions and help in reconstructing climate history. The study focuses on contourites, sediment deposits formed by near-bottom currents, which contain valuable information about past ocean conditions. The experiments aim to better understand the mechanisms behind contourite formation and their influence on the seafloor. The findings have potential applications in various fields, including paleoceanographic reconstructions, benthic ecology, and the study of microplastic particle transport in the ocean.