Deep Sea Methane Bubbles in Argentina

Join a fascinating expedition aboard the research vessel R/V Falkor (too), operating off the coast of Argentina, where scientists embark on a deep-sea “bubble hunt.”

The video reveals spectacular methane gas seeps rising from the seafloor – creating a vibrant oases of life in environments once considered hostile and barren. Using the underwater robot ROV Sebastian, researchers explore unique ecosystems and document surprising encounters with marine life.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, yet the organisms living around these seeps act as a natural biological filter, consuming methane before it can escape into the atmosphere. Understanding this process is essential for improving climate models and assessing the ocean’s role in regulating global warming.

This work represents a compelling intersection of geology, marine biology, robotics, and environmental protection, highlighting the importance of establishing marine protected areas to preserve these fragile deep-sea systems.