Diving neoichnology: underwater fieldwork focusing on organism and seafloor ecosystem interactions

Abstract

Because almost all marine trace fossils were produced in underwater settings such as shoreface, offshore, continental shelf, slope, trench, and abyssal plain, investigating their modern analogues in these settings is important. In this discussion, I delve into a range of recent developments in the field of underwater neoichnology, concentrating on both my own contributions and those of fellow researchers. These advancements have been achieved through investigations conducted in various underwater settings, spanning from shallow coastal waters to the depths of the ocean floor. Our research methods have involved SCUBA diving as well as participation in submersible scientific expeditions.