Huge Parts of the North Sea Seabed Are Upside Down, New Study Reveals

A recent study has revealed that large parts of the North Sea seafloor are upside down, with mounds of underground sand protruding from the seabed. This discovery has significant implications for the efforts to store carbon dioxide emissions beneath the seafloor, a process known as carbon capture and storage (CCS). The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh, found that these mounds, which can reach heights of up to 30 meters, are the result of a process called fluidization. This process occurs when sediments become liquefied, causing the denser materials to sink and the lighter materials, such as sand, to rise to the surface. The researchers suggest that these mounds could pose a challenge for the implementation of CCS in the North Sea, as they may affect the stability and integrity of the storage sites. The study highlights the need for a better understanding of the seafloor's geology and the potential risks associated with carbon storage in these areas.