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Abstract The Loop Current is a key component of global circulation via the northward transport of warm, salty water, and an important influence on Gulf of Mexico hydrography. Understanding how the Loop Current will respond to ongoing anthropogenic warming is critically important, but the history of the Loop Current is poorly known. Here, we present the results of a high resolution (3–8 m) multichannel seismic survey of pelagic carbonate sediment drifts on the eastern Campeche Bank associated with the Loop Current. We identify three seismic megasequences: Megasequence A is a Lower Cretaceous carbonate platform, Megasequence B comprises Cretaceous to lower Cenozoic pelagic carbonates with weak/no contour current flow, and Megasequence C comprises a series of large (100s of m thick) contourite drifts representing the inception and history of the Loop Current. The base of the contourites is marked by a regionally mappable unconformity eroding underling strata, sometimes incising hundreds of meters. The drifts contain a succession of sequence sets separated from each other by regional unconformities and comprising plastered drifts and massive mounded drifts, which characterize modern deposition with active moats on the seafloor. A lack of sediment cores in the study area precludes age determination of these drifts, except for the youngest (Late Pleistocene). Comparison to legacy seismic lines across Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 95, outside our study area, implies that the base of Megasequence C is Oligocene in age, and that the Loop Current developed during the global reorganization of ocean circulation around the Eocene‐Oligocene Transition. 

Abstract Recent changes in US oceanographic assets are impacting scientists' ability to access seafloor and sub‐seafloor materials and thus constraining progress on science critical for societal needs. Here we identify national infrastructure needs to address critical science questions. This commentary reports on community‐driven discussions that took place during the 3‐dayFUTURE of US Seafloor Sampling Capabilities 2024 Workshop, which used an “all‐hands‐on‐deck” approach to assess seafloor and sub‐seafloor sampling requirements of a broad range of scientific objectives, focusing on capabilities that could be supported through the US Academic Research Fleet (US‐ARF) now or in the near future. Cross‐cutting issues identified included weight and size limitations in the over‐boarding capabilities of the US‐ARF, a need to access material at depths greater than ∼20 m below the seafloor, sampling capabilities at the full range of ocean depths, technologies required for precise navigation‐guided sampling and drilling, resources to capitalize on the research potential of returned materials, and workforce development.