Santa Barbara Channel’s pure oil seeps are a beach-goer’s bane, flecking the shores with blobs of tar. However the leaking petroleum additionally creates fascinating geologic and biologic options. About 10 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, a number of jet-black mounds interrupt the featureless sea flooring. These asphalt volcanoes, just about distinctive on the earth, present a uncommon habitat in a area identified for its underwater biodiversity.