Seafloor processes including geological, biological, physical and chemical processes, are closely related to geomorphology, hydrodynamic interaction, natural resources exploitation and geotechnics. Both natural processes and anthropogenic activities have a significant impact on the evolution of the seafloor and the near-surface rock and fluid properties. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the patterns, mechanisms and evolution of seafloor processes through multiple and complementary research approaches can provide practical insights for managing, monitoring and modelling the seafloor environment that is undergoing changes. Seafloor processes involve a number of scientific disciplines and fields, as well as require multi-level research. However, limited studies have tried to use multidisciplinary theories and approaches to address the interactive natural and anthropogenic effects between the different processes and their consequences on the seafloor.

The main goal of this Research Topic is to enhance our understanding of the multiple seafloor processes and their impacts on the geomorphology, hydrodynamic interaction, seafloor natural resources and geohazards, thereby promoting the reasoning on seafloor biology and ecology, geological activity and ocean chemistry. It is one of the human fundamental missions to develop and apply sophisticated technology to study and protect the ocean.

We focus on studies that use in-situ observations, laboratory experiments and numerical modeling to explore how the seafloor responds under the influence of natural processes and human activities. It calls for original and novel papers related to seafloor processes in any of the following research topics:

• New geophysics, geochemistry and seafloor observatory approaches applied in seafloor process research.
• Marine geological process and its simulation technique for geomorphology change.
• Seabed fluid flow and natural resources, such as gas hydrates, submarine hydrothermal fluid, and polymetallic nodules.
• The impacts of hydrocarbon exploitation (e.g., natural gas, petroleum, gas hydrates) on the seafloor processes.
• Early diagenesis and related element cycles.
• The role and mechanism of geological processes (e.g., earthquakes or volcanoes) on the seafloor.
• The role and impact of biological activities on the seafloor process.
• Hydrodynamic interaction advancements to understanding the underlying processes and functional differences among seafloor/currents.
• Interaction between seafloor and geomorphology in a changing ocean environment.
• Geophysical inversion for quantitative modelling of the seafloor and near-surface.

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Frontiers in Marine Science

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