2008 Woodie Awards
Speaker highlights ocean complexities
Matt Twillman
Issue date: 2/9/06 Section: Features
When people think of an ocean, many think of fish and perhaps the surf crashing on a beach and seashells.
But Marta Torres says there are complex geological, chemical and biological interactions that make the ocean worthy of scientific study.
Torres, associate professor in the College of Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University, gave a presentation at Central titled, "Submarine Springs: Hot and Cold Fluid Venting on the Seafloor." She spotlighted results of an international, publicly-funded research project, the Ocean Drilling Program, and provided an informative look at an important region often overlooked.
"Students saw what type of research is being done at other universities, and the general public was able to see the results of federally-funded research and how important that research is," said Sally Zellers, professor in Central's biology and earth science department.
"Attendants should have taken away an understanding of the processes that take place in a remote part of the world," Zellers said. "They should also understand that the movement of water through submarine vents is essential in providing valuable mineral resources."
"The discovery of hydrothermal vents in 1977 and cold seeps in 1984 led to new understandings of the complex geological, chemical and biological interactions that characterize the workings of our planet," Torres said. "The chemical changes that occur at these systems have been shown to be important in regulating the composition of ocean water."
An interesting compound found at some cold seeps is methane hydrate, Torres said.
"These compounds store large amounts of methane, and their potential role in energy, climate and slope stability is the subject of ongoing research in oceanography," Torres said.
Torres was selected by the National Association of Geology Teachers and the Ocean Drilling Program as one of several lecturers speaking at geology departments across the country.
While the seminar was directed mostly toward faculty and advanced science students, some students with little prior knowledge of submarine springs still found the talk interesting.
"I didn't know anything about the subject matter going into the lecture, but I am fascinated by life at the extremes," said Thomas Dalton, a criminal justice student. "I was amazed to learn that submarine vents sustain so much life despite there being no light and very severe conditions."
But Marta Torres says there are complex geological, chemical and biological interactions that make the ocean worthy of scientific study.
Torres, associate professor in the College of Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University, gave a presentation at Central titled, "Submarine Springs: Hot and Cold Fluid Venting on the Seafloor." She spotlighted results of an international, publicly-funded research project, the Ocean Drilling Program, and provided an informative look at an important region often overlooked.
"Students saw what type of research is being done at other universities, and the general public was able to see the results of federally-funded research and how important that research is," said Sally Zellers, professor in Central's biology and earth science department.
"Attendants should have taken away an understanding of the processes that take place in a remote part of the world," Zellers said. "They should also understand that the movement of water through submarine vents is essential in providing valuable mineral resources."
"The discovery of hydrothermal vents in 1977 and cold seeps in 1984 led to new understandings of the complex geological, chemical and biological interactions that characterize the workings of our planet," Torres said. "The chemical changes that occur at these systems have been shown to be important in regulating the composition of ocean water."
An interesting compound found at some cold seeps is methane hydrate, Torres said.
"These compounds store large amounts of methane, and their potential role in energy, climate and slope stability is the subject of ongoing research in oceanography," Torres said.
Torres was selected by the National Association of Geology Teachers and the Ocean Drilling Program as one of several lecturers speaking at geology departments across the country.
While the seminar was directed mostly toward faculty and advanced science students, some students with little prior knowledge of submarine springs still found the talk interesting.
"I didn't know anything about the subject matter going into the lecture, but I am fascinated by life at the extremes," said Thomas Dalton, a criminal justice student. "I was amazed to learn that submarine vents sustain so much life despite there being no light and very severe conditions."