Sediment Sample Studied (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Rice University students Brian Demet (left) and Ruthie Halberstadt study a seafloor sediment sample aboard the NSF research vessel Nathaniel B. Palmer in the Ross Sea in 2015. Credit L. Simkins/Rice University Usage Restrictions Must credit "L. Simkins/Rice University" License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.