A Tapestry of Deep-Sea Biodiversity: From Woodfall Oases and Sediment Mosaics to Oil Spill Legacies - Livestream

The deep sea is one of Earth’s most diverse and least understood ecosystems, where biodiversity is shaped by both natural and anthropogenic processes. This seminar explores the intricate dynamics of deep-sea life through three key phenomena: woodfalls, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWH), and sediment patchiness.  Woodfalls create ephemeral but rich habitats, fostering specialized communities that thrive on decaying organic matter. Sediment patchiness - driven by factors such as current flow, topography, and organic input - creates a mosaic of microhabitats, promoting biodiversity and supporting complex food webs. In contrast, the catastrophic DWH event represents a major human disturbance, with far-reaching impacts on deep-sea biodiversity. Examining the ecological aftermath of this disaster provides insights into the resilience and vulnerability of deep-sea species. By integrating these topics, I will discuss how natural processes and human interventions shape the deep-sea environment and influence biodiversity patterns. The seminar highlights the importance of protecting this fragile ecosystem and understanding the drivers of its resilience.The deep sea is one of Earth’s most diverse and least understood ecosystems, where biodiversity is shaped by both natural and anthropogenic processes. This seminar explores the intricate dynamics of deep-sea life through three key phenomena: woodfalls, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWH), and sediment patchiness.  Woodfalls create ephemeral but rich habitats, fostering specialized communities that thrive on decaying organic matter. Sediment patchiness - driven by factors such as current flow, topography, and organic input - creates a mosaic of microhabitats, promoting biodiversity and supporting complex food webs. In contrast, the catastrophic DWH event represents a major human disturbance, with far-reaching impacts on deep-sea biodiversity. Examining the ecological aftermath of this disaster provides insights into the resilience and vulnerability of deep-sea species. By integrating these topics, I will discuss how natural processes and human interventions shape the deep-sea environment and influence biodiversity patterns. The seminar highlights the importance of protecting this fragile ecosystem and understanding the drivers of its resilience.

Speaker: Craig McClain, University of Louisiana, Lafayette

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