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Kira Mizell

Research Oceanographer with the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Professional Experience

  • 2020-present U. S. Geological Survey Research Oceanographer

  • 2015-2019 U. S. Geological Survey PhD Student Intern Trainee

  • 2012-2015 U. S. Geological Survey Physical Science Technician

Education and Certifications

  • 2019 Ph.D. Ocean Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz

  • 2009 B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Arizona

Science and Products

Collage of black nodules or rocks of varying sizes and shapes, each 1-7 inches wide, broken in half to show their cores.

Global Seabed Mineral Resources

The Global Marine Mineral Resources project studies deep ocean minerals that occur within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and areas beyond national jurisdictions. Our research concerns the setting, genesis, and metal enrichment processes of mineral occurrences, the relationship between marine minerals and deep-sea biota, and the potential geochemical footprint of any seafloor mining. We aim to...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Global Seabed Mineral Resources

Global Seabed Mineral Resources

The Global Marine Mineral Resources project studies deep ocean minerals that occur within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and areas beyond national jurisdictions. Our research concerns the setting, genesis, and metal enrichment processes of mineral occurrences, the relationship between marine minerals and deep-sea biota, and the potential geochemical footprint of any seafloor mining. We aim to...
Learn More

Geochemistry and x-ray diffraction data for hydrothermal manganese oxide rocks from the Samoa hotspot region in the South Pacific Ocean collected during research expedition KM0506 Geochemistry and x-ray diffraction data for hydrothermal manganese oxide rocks from the Samoa hotspot region in the South Pacific Ocean collected during research expedition KM0506

Hydrothermal manganese oxide rocks were collected via dredge from the Tulaga Seamount, the flank of Ofu Island, and from Soso seamount in the Samoa hotspot region offshore American Samoa during the KM0506 cruise aboard the R/V Kilo Moana in April of 2005. Rocks were subsampled at USGS and analyzed for mineralogy by x-ray diffraction as well as sent to SGS laboratories, Canada for major...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

X-ray diffraction data for the 0-2 cm horizons of marine sediment cores and a mineral concretion near waste barrels in the San Pedro Basin of the Southern California Borderland X-ray diffraction data for the 0-2 cm horizons of marine sediment cores and a mineral concretion near waste barrels in the San Pedro Basin of the Southern California Borderland

Marine sediment push cores and one mineral concretion were collected near waste barrels in the San Pedro Basin of the Southern California Borderland in the Pacific Ocean using a remotely operated vehicle during the Schmidt Ocean Institute research cruise FK210726 onboard the R/V Falkor in 2021. Dried sediment samples of the 0-2 centimeter horizon of the cores and the mineral concretion...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Geochemistry of ferromanganese crusts, nodules, and coated cobbles from seamounts in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Geochemistry of ferromanganese crusts, nodules, and coated cobbles from seamounts in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Ferromanganese crusts, nodules, and coated cobbles were collected via ROV from seamounts off the coast of Hawaii and within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) in the Pacific Ocean during E/V Nautilus expeditions NA134 and NA138 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Ferromanganese rock samples were sent to USGS for subsampling, major and trace element geochemical analyses...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Particulate physicochemical data at a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 2023 Particulate physicochemical data at a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 2023

Particulate samples were collected from a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 18 – 20, 2023 during late summer, low-flow conditions in the intake creek. Settled solids were collected from a retention pond and from the incubation room trough. The trough solids likely had been deposited during storm events the previous winter. A third sample was collected in the incubation...
By
Washington Water Science Center

Water normalized geochemistry data for marine ferromanganese crusts and phosphorite minerals in the Southern California Borderland Water normalized geochemistry data for marine ferromanganese crusts and phosphorite minerals in the Southern California Borderland

Ferromanganese crust and phosphorite minerals were collected using remotely operated vehicles in the Southern California Borderland during two separate research cruises – NOAA Ocean Exploration Trust cruise NA124 onboard the E/V Nautilus in 2020, and Schmidt Ocean Institute cruise FK210726 onboard the R/V Falkor in 2021. Ferromanganese crust and phosphorite samples were described and...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Global ferromanganese crust and abyssal ferromanganese nodule prospective occurrence regions Global ferromanganese crust and abyssal ferromanganese nodule prospective occurrence regions

This data release is a polygon shapefile representing prospective occurrence regions of ferromanganese crusts and abyssal ferromanganese nodules on the seafloor throughout the global oceans. Polygons represent areas where oceanographic criteria, such as low sedimentation rate and moderate primary productivity, overlap with geologic criteria, including regions with appropriate seafloor...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video
Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and environmental setting of the deep seabed offshore Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi Island) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This work is part of ongoing collaborative efforts with BOEM and NOAA.

By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and environmental setting of the deep seabed offshore Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi Island) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This work is part of ongoing collaborative efforts with BOEM and NOAA.

By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video
Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and environmental setting of the deep seabed offshore Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi Island) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This work is part of ongoing collaborative efforts with BOEM and NOAA.

By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and environmental setting of the deep seabed offshore Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi Island) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This work is part of ongoing collaborative efforts with BOEM and NOAA.

By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Background of coral reef beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of a smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair. Background of coral reef beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of a smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.
Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer
Background of coral reef beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of a smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer

Research Oceanographer Kira Mizell studies change in ocean chemistry by collecting marine minerals, looking for insights into past climate conditions and geologic history.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Background of coral reef beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of a smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer

Research Oceanographer Kira Mizell studies change in ocean chemistry by collecting marine minerals, looking for insights into past climate conditions and geologic history.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Background of coral reefs beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair. Background of coral reefs beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.
Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)
Background of coral reefs beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)

Research Oceanographer Kira Mizell studies changes in ocean chemistry by collecting marine minerals, looking for insights into past climate conditions and geologic history.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Background of coral reefs beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)

Research Oceanographer Kira Mizell studies changes in ocean chemistry by collecting marine minerals, looking for insights into past climate conditions and geologic history.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition
NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.

By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.

By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Filter Total Items: 29

Megafaunal community structure on ferromanganese and phosphorite hardgrounds in the Southern California Borderland Megafaunal community structure on ferromanganese and phosphorite hardgrounds in the Southern California Borderland

The Southern California Borderland (SCB) is a topographically complex region on the active continental margin that hosts varied hardground habitats, including ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts and phosphorites, marine minerals being considered for resource extraction. The SCB is influenced by seasonal upwelling and terrestrial inputs, and has a well-defined oxygen-minimum zone (OMZ). We...
Authors
Devin Vlach, Olivia S. Pereira, Francis Nguyen, Angelica Bradley, Kira Mizell, Lisa A. Levin
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

The influence of nodule versus crust morphology on the composition of seamount-hosted ferromanganese minerals The influence of nodule versus crust morphology on the composition of seamount-hosted ferromanganese minerals

Ferromanganese mineral precipitation in the global oceans is ubiquitous, occurring in the form of both crusts and nodules at a broad range of depths and seafloor terrains. Although ferromanganese crusts and nodules are both composed of ferromanganese minerals, mineralogy and mean element concentrations compiled for regional crust versus nodule occurrences differ. Notably, most published
Authors
Kira Mizell, Emily Piper, Terrence Blackburn, Amy Gartman
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Extremophile hotspots linked to containerized industrial waste dumping in a deep-sea basin Extremophile hotspots linked to containerized industrial waste dumping in a deep-sea basin

Decaying barrels on the seafloor linked to DDT contamination have raised concerns about the public health implications of decades old industrial waste dumped off the coast of Los Angeles. To explore their contents, we collected sediment cores perpendicular to five deep-sea barrels. The concentration of DDT and its breakdown products were highly elevated relative to control sites yet did...
Authors
Johanna Gutleben, Sheila Podell, Kira Mizell, Douglas Sweeney, Carlos Neira, Lisa A. Levin, Paul R. Jensen
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Neogene hydrothermal Fe- and Mn-oxide mineralization of Paleozoic continental rocks, Amerasia Basin, Arctic Ocean Neogene hydrothermal Fe- and Mn-oxide mineralization of Paleozoic continental rocks, Amerasia Basin, Arctic Ocean

Rocks dredged from water depths of 1,605, 2,500, 3,300, and 3,400 m in the Arctic Ocean included Paleozoic continental rocks pervasively mineralized during the Neogene by hydrothermal Fe and Mn oxides. Samples were recovered in three dredge hauls from the Chukchi Borderland and one from Mendeleev Ridge north of Alaska and eastern Siberia, respectively. Many of the rocks were so...
Authors
James R. Hein, Kira Mizell, Amy Gartman
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Deep-ocean macrofaunal assemblages on ferromanganese and phosphorite-rich substrates in the Southern California Borderland Deep-ocean macrofaunal assemblages on ferromanganese and phosphorite-rich substrates in the Southern California Borderland

Mineral-rich hardgrounds, such as ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts and phosphorites, occur on seamounts and continental margins, gaining attention for their resource potential due to their enrichment in valuable metals in some regions. This study focuses on the Southern California Borderland (SCB), an area characterized by uneven and heterogeneous topography featuring FeMn crusts...
Authors
Michelle Guraieb, Guillermo F Mendoza, Kira Mizell, Gregory W. Rouse, R.A. McCarthy, Olivia S. Pereira, Lisa A. Levin
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Invertebrate trophic structure on marine ferromanganese and phosphorite hardgrounds Invertebrate trophic structure on marine ferromanganese and phosphorite hardgrounds

The Southern California Borderland hosts a variety of geologic and oceanographic features that allow for diverse habitats to occur in a restricted region with a strong oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) and hard substrates. These include ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts and phosphorites targeted for deep-seabed mining in other regions. Baseline studies regarding hardground macro- (> 0.3 mm) and...
Authors
Olivia S. Pereira, Devin Vlach, Angelica Bradley, Jennifer Gonzalez, Kira Mizell, Lisa A. Levin
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Filter Total Items: 13
Expedition Recap - Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems

Expedition Recap - Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, investigated the geology, minerals, and...

Read Article
Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition

Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and...

Read Article
Marine Mineral Formations in the Arctic Ocean Challenge Existing Geologic Theories

Marine Mineral Formations in the Arctic Ocean Challenge Existing Geologic Theories

A new study from USGS describes a previously unknown process of marine mineral formation in the Arctic Ocean, driven by frictional heating along...

Read Article
Investigating Relationships Between Deep-Sea Invertebrate Communities and Marine Minerals to Inform Resource Considerations

Investigating Relationships Between Deep-Sea Invertebrate Communities and Marine Minerals to Inform Resource Considerations

Marine ferromanganese crusts and phosphorites can be enriched with valuable minerals, and are therefore targets for seabed mining development. These...

Read Article
Deep-Sea Mining and Potential Impacts on Marine Ecosystems: New Study Highlights Geochemical Implications

Deep-Sea Mining and Potential Impacts on Marine Ecosystems: New Study Highlights Geochemical Implications

Marine polymetallic nodules, also known as manganese (Mn) nodules, have attracted the interest of mining companies for decades due to their enrichment...

Read Article
A Review of Alaska's Marine Mineral Resources

A Review of Alaska's Marine Mineral Resources

For centuries, humans have mined, refined, and utilized various metals and minerals found on land and along coasts. As global supply of these finite...

Read Article

Science and Products

Collage of black nodules or rocks of varying sizes and shapes, each 1-7 inches wide, broken in half to show their cores.

Global Seabed Mineral Resources

The Global Marine Mineral Resources project studies deep ocean minerals that occur within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and areas beyond national jurisdictions. Our research concerns the setting, genesis, and metal enrichment processes of mineral occurrences, the relationship between marine minerals and deep-sea biota, and the potential geochemical footprint of any seafloor mining. We aim to...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Global Seabed Mineral Resources

Global Seabed Mineral Resources

The Global Marine Mineral Resources project studies deep ocean minerals that occur within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and areas beyond national jurisdictions. Our research concerns the setting, genesis, and metal enrichment processes of mineral occurrences, the relationship between marine minerals and deep-sea biota, and the potential geochemical footprint of any seafloor mining. We aim to...
Learn More

Geochemistry and x-ray diffraction data for hydrothermal manganese oxide rocks from the Samoa hotspot region in the South Pacific Ocean collected during research expedition KM0506 Geochemistry and x-ray diffraction data for hydrothermal manganese oxide rocks from the Samoa hotspot region in the South Pacific Ocean collected during research expedition KM0506

Hydrothermal manganese oxide rocks were collected via dredge from the Tulaga Seamount, the flank of Ofu Island, and from Soso seamount in the Samoa hotspot region offshore American Samoa during the KM0506 cruise aboard the R/V Kilo Moana in April of 2005. Rocks were subsampled at USGS and analyzed for mineralogy by x-ray diffraction as well as sent to SGS laboratories, Canada for major...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

X-ray diffraction data for the 0-2 cm horizons of marine sediment cores and a mineral concretion near waste barrels in the San Pedro Basin of the Southern California Borderland X-ray diffraction data for the 0-2 cm horizons of marine sediment cores and a mineral concretion near waste barrels in the San Pedro Basin of the Southern California Borderland

Marine sediment push cores and one mineral concretion were collected near waste barrels in the San Pedro Basin of the Southern California Borderland in the Pacific Ocean using a remotely operated vehicle during the Schmidt Ocean Institute research cruise FK210726 onboard the R/V Falkor in 2021. Dried sediment samples of the 0-2 centimeter horizon of the cores and the mineral concretion...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Geochemistry of ferromanganese crusts, nodules, and coated cobbles from seamounts in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Geochemistry of ferromanganese crusts, nodules, and coated cobbles from seamounts in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Ferromanganese crusts, nodules, and coated cobbles were collected via ROV from seamounts off the coast of Hawaii and within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) in the Pacific Ocean during E/V Nautilus expeditions NA134 and NA138 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Ferromanganese rock samples were sent to USGS for subsampling, major and trace element geochemical analyses...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Particulate physicochemical data at a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 2023 Particulate physicochemical data at a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 2023

Particulate samples were collected from a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 18 – 20, 2023 during late summer, low-flow conditions in the intake creek. Settled solids were collected from a retention pond and from the incubation room trough. The trough solids likely had been deposited during storm events the previous winter. A third sample was collected in the incubation...
By
Washington Water Science Center

Water normalized geochemistry data for marine ferromanganese crusts and phosphorite minerals in the Southern California Borderland Water normalized geochemistry data for marine ferromanganese crusts and phosphorite minerals in the Southern California Borderland

Ferromanganese crust and phosphorite minerals were collected using remotely operated vehicles in the Southern California Borderland during two separate research cruises – NOAA Ocean Exploration Trust cruise NA124 onboard the E/V Nautilus in 2020, and Schmidt Ocean Institute cruise FK210726 onboard the R/V Falkor in 2021. Ferromanganese crust and phosphorite samples were described and...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Global ferromanganese crust and abyssal ferromanganese nodule prospective occurrence regions Global ferromanganese crust and abyssal ferromanganese nodule prospective occurrence regions

This data release is a polygon shapefile representing prospective occurrence regions of ferromanganese crusts and abyssal ferromanganese nodules on the seafloor throughout the global oceans. Polygons represent areas where oceanographic criteria, such as low sedimentation rate and moderate primary productivity, overlap with geologic criteria, including regions with appropriate seafloor...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video
Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and environmental setting of the deep seabed offshore Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi Island) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This work is part of ongoing collaborative efforts with BOEM and NOAA.

By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and environmental setting of the deep seabed offshore Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi Island) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This work is part of ongoing collaborative efforts with BOEM and NOAA.

By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video
Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and environmental setting of the deep seabed offshore Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi Island) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This work is part of ongoing collaborative efforts with BOEM and NOAA.

By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Cover image for Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition video

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)

Hawai'i Abyssal Nodules Expedition (AD)

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and environmental setting of the deep seabed offshore Moku o Keawe (Hawaiʻi Island) in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This work is part of ongoing collaborative efforts with BOEM and NOAA.

By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Background of coral reef beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of a smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair. Background of coral reef beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of a smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.
Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer
Background of coral reef beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of a smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer

Research Oceanographer Kira Mizell studies change in ocean chemistry by collecting marine minerals, looking for insights into past climate conditions and geologic history.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Background of coral reef beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of a smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer

Research Oceanographer Kira Mizell studies change in ocean chemistry by collecting marine minerals, looking for insights into past climate conditions and geologic history.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Background of coral reefs beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair. Background of coral reefs beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.
Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)
Background of coral reefs beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)

Research Oceanographer Kira Mizell studies changes in ocean chemistry by collecting marine minerals, looking for insights into past climate conditions and geologic history.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
Background of coral reefs beneath waves. Overlaid with photo of smiling white woman with shoulder-length hair.

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)

Climate Science Champions, Season 2: Kira Mizell, Research Oceanographer (AD)

Research Oceanographer Kira Mizell studies changes in ocean chemistry by collecting marine minerals, looking for insights into past climate conditions and geologic history.

By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Communications and Publishing
NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition
NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.

By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

NOAA-USGS Stepping Stones 2021 Expedition

Join USGS researchers Jason Chaytor and Kira Mizell as they virtually participate in a NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition to the depths of the North Atlantic.

By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Filter Total Items: 29

Megafaunal community structure on ferromanganese and phosphorite hardgrounds in the Southern California Borderland Megafaunal community structure on ferromanganese and phosphorite hardgrounds in the Southern California Borderland

The Southern California Borderland (SCB) is a topographically complex region on the active continental margin that hosts varied hardground habitats, including ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts and phosphorites, marine minerals being considered for resource extraction. The SCB is influenced by seasonal upwelling and terrestrial inputs, and has a well-defined oxygen-minimum zone (OMZ). We...
Authors
Devin Vlach, Olivia S. Pereira, Francis Nguyen, Angelica Bradley, Kira Mizell, Lisa A. Levin
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

The influence of nodule versus crust morphology on the composition of seamount-hosted ferromanganese minerals The influence of nodule versus crust morphology on the composition of seamount-hosted ferromanganese minerals

Ferromanganese mineral precipitation in the global oceans is ubiquitous, occurring in the form of both crusts and nodules at a broad range of depths and seafloor terrains. Although ferromanganese crusts and nodules are both composed of ferromanganese minerals, mineralogy and mean element concentrations compiled for regional crust versus nodule occurrences differ. Notably, most published
Authors
Kira Mizell, Emily Piper, Terrence Blackburn, Amy Gartman
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Extremophile hotspots linked to containerized industrial waste dumping in a deep-sea basin Extremophile hotspots linked to containerized industrial waste dumping in a deep-sea basin

Decaying barrels on the seafloor linked to DDT contamination have raised concerns about the public health implications of decades old industrial waste dumped off the coast of Los Angeles. To explore their contents, we collected sediment cores perpendicular to five deep-sea barrels. The concentration of DDT and its breakdown products were highly elevated relative to control sites yet did...
Authors
Johanna Gutleben, Sheila Podell, Kira Mizell, Douglas Sweeney, Carlos Neira, Lisa A. Levin, Paul R. Jensen
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Neogene hydrothermal Fe- and Mn-oxide mineralization of Paleozoic continental rocks, Amerasia Basin, Arctic Ocean Neogene hydrothermal Fe- and Mn-oxide mineralization of Paleozoic continental rocks, Amerasia Basin, Arctic Ocean

Rocks dredged from water depths of 1,605, 2,500, 3,300, and 3,400 m in the Arctic Ocean included Paleozoic continental rocks pervasively mineralized during the Neogene by hydrothermal Fe and Mn oxides. Samples were recovered in three dredge hauls from the Chukchi Borderland and one from Mendeleev Ridge north of Alaska and eastern Siberia, respectively. Many of the rocks were so...
Authors
James R. Hein, Kira Mizell, Amy Gartman
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Deep-ocean macrofaunal assemblages on ferromanganese and phosphorite-rich substrates in the Southern California Borderland Deep-ocean macrofaunal assemblages on ferromanganese and phosphorite-rich substrates in the Southern California Borderland

Mineral-rich hardgrounds, such as ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts and phosphorites, occur on seamounts and continental margins, gaining attention for their resource potential due to their enrichment in valuable metals in some regions. This study focuses on the Southern California Borderland (SCB), an area characterized by uneven and heterogeneous topography featuring FeMn crusts...
Authors
Michelle Guraieb, Guillermo F Mendoza, Kira Mizell, Gregory W. Rouse, R.A. McCarthy, Olivia S. Pereira, Lisa A. Levin
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Invertebrate trophic structure on marine ferromanganese and phosphorite hardgrounds Invertebrate trophic structure on marine ferromanganese and phosphorite hardgrounds

The Southern California Borderland hosts a variety of geologic and oceanographic features that allow for diverse habitats to occur in a restricted region with a strong oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) and hard substrates. These include ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts and phosphorites targeted for deep-seabed mining in other regions. Baseline studies regarding hardground macro- (> 0.3 mm) and...
Authors
Olivia S. Pereira, Devin Vlach, Angelica Bradley, Jennifer Gonzalez, Kira Mizell, Lisa A. Levin
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Filter Total Items: 13
Expedition Recap - Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems

Expedition Recap - Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, investigated the geology, minerals, and...

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Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition

Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition

In Fall 2025 the Hawaiʻi Abyssal Nodules and Associated Ecosystems Expedition, led by USGS scientists, will investigate the geology, minerals, and...

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Marine Mineral Formations in the Arctic Ocean Challenge Existing Geologic Theories

Marine Mineral Formations in the Arctic Ocean Challenge Existing Geologic Theories

A new study from USGS describes a previously unknown process of marine mineral formation in the Arctic Ocean, driven by frictional heating along...

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Investigating Relationships Between Deep-Sea Invertebrate Communities and Marine Minerals to Inform Resource Considerations

Investigating Relationships Between Deep-Sea Invertebrate Communities and Marine Minerals to Inform Resource Considerations

Marine ferromanganese crusts and phosphorites can be enriched with valuable minerals, and are therefore targets for seabed mining development. These...

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Deep-Sea Mining and Potential Impacts on Marine Ecosystems: New Study Highlights Geochemical Implications

Deep-Sea Mining and Potential Impacts on Marine Ecosystems: New Study Highlights Geochemical Implications

Marine polymetallic nodules, also known as manganese (Mn) nodules, have attracted the interest of mining companies for decades due to their enrichment...

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A Review of Alaska's Marine Mineral Resources

A Review of Alaska's Marine Mineral Resources

For centuries, humans have mined, refined, and utilized various metals and minerals found on land and along coasts. As global supply of these finite...

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