Seaborne geologic studies around Antarctica concentrate on unraveling the geologic record inscribed in rocks and sediments. The continental shelf surrounding Antarctica contains much information about the advance of vast continental ice sheets across the Antarctic continental shelf during past ice ages. The core has just been collected from the sea floor of Ross Sea. Photograph by S. Shipp, Rice University. Sampling the core.
Geologists trace past ice sheets.
In Antarctica, research vessels allow geologists to sample the deep ocean floor around the continent. Photograph by S. Shipp, Rice University. Modern geologic processes are not neglected - researchers study what is happening in today's environment, such as where sediment originates, how it is transported, and where it is deposited. These data are also used to better interpret the geologic record. They might study ocean rift and plate collision processes by examining the break-up of Pangaea as recorded by structures and sediments of the deep sea floor.