seabed nodules
# box of seabed nodules
NOAA released the first images of geologic seafloor samples from a hydrographic survey project to map and characterize more than 30,000 square nautical miles of federal waters in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) beyond the territorial waters of American Samoa. The box...

![Image of geological samples from the seafloor that were collected via box core on April 14, 2026, in U.S. waters off American Samoa. [Credit: USGS] geological samples from the seafloor](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/box_of_seabed_nodules_.jpeg?itok=WcT9yFo6)