SMRTR Science & EngineeringMay 8, 2025Interesting Engineering

117-million-year-old deep-sea mud waves unlock Atlantic Ocean’s birth story

SMRTR summary

Scientists found 117-million-year-old underwater mud waves off western Africa, offering insights into Atlantic Ocean formation. These massive sediment structures formed as South America and Africa separated. The findings suggest the Equatorial Atlantic Gateway opened around 117 million years ago, earlier than previously thought. This event likely disrupted carbon burial, causing significant climate warming. Understanding past ocean circulation is crucial for predicting future climate changes.

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