The FUTURE of the US Marine Seafloor and Subseafloor Sampling Capabilities

Abstract

Recent changes in US oceanographic assets are impacting scientists' ability to access seafloor and sub-seafloor materials and thus constraining progress on science critical for societal needs. Here we identify national infrastructure needs to address critical science questions. This commentary reports on community-driven discussions that took place during the 3-day FUTURE of US Seafloor Sampling Capabilities 2024 Workshop, which used an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to assess seafloor and sub-seafloor sampling requirements of a broad range of scientific objectives, focusing on capabilities that could be supported through the US Academic Research Fleet (US-ARF) now or in the near future. Cross-cutting issues identified included weight and size limitations in the over-boarding capabilities of the US-ARF, a need to access material at depths greater than ∼20 m below the seafloor, sampling capabilities at the full range of ocean depths, technologies required for precise navigation-guided sampling and drilling, resources to capitalize on the research potential of returned materials, and workforce development.