Scientists have discovered a surprisingly large hydrothermal vent field near the Greek island of Milos, revealing a dynamic underwater landscape teeming with geological activity. The discovery, detailed in a study published in Scientific Reports, occurred during the METEOR expedition M192, led by researchers from MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen.

The vent system, located along active fault lines beneath the seafloor, features geological fractures that act as pathways for hot, gas-rich fluids to escape. These escaping fluids form clusters of vents exhibiting striking visual diversity, according to the research team. During deep-sea dives, scientists observed boiling fluids reaching temperatures of 180 degrees Celsius and vibrant microbial mats thriving in the extreme environment.

"Milos now stands out as one of the Mediterranean's most important sites for studying Earth's dynamic interior," stated a MARUM press release. The unexpected scale of the hydrothermal field has stunned researchers, highlighting the potential for further discoveries in the region.

Hydrothermal vents are essentially underwater hot springs, formed where seawater seeps into the Earth's crust, is heated by magma or hot rocks, and then re-emerges carrying dissolved minerals. These vents are often found near volcanically active areas, such as mid-ocean ridges or, as in this case, near volcanic islands like Milos. The fluids released from these vents support unique ecosystems that thrive in the absence of sunlight, relying instead on chemosynthesis, a process where microbes convert chemicals into energy.

The discovery has significant implications for understanding the interplay between geological activity, marine ecosystems, and the chemical composition of the ocean. The Milos vent field offers a valuable opportunity to study how life can adapt to extreme conditions, potentially providing insights into the origins of life on Earth and the possibility of life on other planets.

The research team plans to continue studying the Milos hydrothermal field, focusing on the unique microbial communities and the chemical processes occurring within the vents. They hope to gain a better understanding of the role these vents play in regulating ocean chemistry and supporting marine biodiversity. Further investigations will also explore the potential for geothermal energy extraction in the area, given the high temperatures and abundance of hot fluids.