Team of scientists aboard the E/V Nautilus made a remarkable discovery on the Pacific Ocean floor near Hawaii: a geological formation resembling a "yellow brick road."


This formation, located within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), appeared as an ancient dried lake bed with volcanic rocks fractured into near-perfect rectangular shapes, creating the illusion of a man-made road.

The discovery was made during an expedition to the Liliʻuokalani Ridge within the PMNM, one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. Despite its vast size, less than 3% of its seafloor has been explored. The Ocean Exploration Trust, which operates the Nautilus, continues to push the boundaries of ocean exploration, shedding light on the dynamic processes shaping Earth's crust beneath the ocean. 

This finding not only captivates the imagination but also provides valuable insights into the geological history and dynamics of the seafloor, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration and research in the deep sea.

For a visual experience of this discovery, you can watch the following video: