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Science Desk · USGS · Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

USGS finds some deep-sea sulfide rocks can heat and combust on exposure to air

Samples from Escanaba Trough, off the Oregon–California border, combusted during laboratory processing.

Agency release dated 2026-10-07

Scientists sub-sampling split sediment cores in a lab
Image: USGS (U.S. government work)

What the record says

  • A USGS-led study found some metal sulfide-rich rocks from Escanaba Trough, along the southern Gorda Ridge, spontaneously combusted during laboratory processing.
  • Seafloor massive sulfide deposits form around hydrothermal vents and can contain copper, zinc, iron and other elements.
  • USGS says the finding identifies a potential hazard to understand if such deposits are ever mined.

Source: USGS — Deep-sea sulfide minerals can spontaneously heat and combust when exposed to air. Notice Nearby summarized this release; it adds no claims beyond the agency record.