In 2010, scientists discovered massive undersea asphalt volcanoes off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. These domes, including one called “Il Duomo,” formed from oil seeping up through the seafloor, solidifying into hardened asphalt flows. Using the submersible *Alvin*, researchers from UCSB and WHOI confirmed the mounds were made of tar and found they supported rich marine life, functioning like artificial reefs. Chemical analysis revealed insights into how oil degrades over thousands of years. The discovery offers new clues about ancient geological activity, microbial oil degradation, and potential untapped oil reserves.
By Cherie Winner, Joel Greenberg, Lonny Lippsett, Tim Silva :: Originally published online April 25, 2010
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