Scientists have discovered a vast hydrothermal vent field near the Greek island of Milos, revealing a hidden network of underwater geological activity. The discovery, detailed in a recent 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, surprised researchers with its size and diversity. These fractures act as conduits for hot, gas-rich fluids escaping from the Earth's interior. 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.

Hydrothermal vents are essentially underwater hot springs, formed where seawater seeps into the Earth's crust, is heated by magma, and then expelled back into the ocean. These vents are often found near volcanically active areas, such as mid-ocean ridges. The Milos vent field is particularly interesting because it is located in a relatively shallow area, making it more accessible for study.

The discovery has significant implications for understanding the interplay between geological activity, ocean chemistry, and microbial life. The hot, mineral-rich fluids released by hydrothermal vents support unique ecosystems that are independent of sunlight. These ecosystems are dominated by chemosynthetic bacteria, which derive energy from chemical compounds rather than photosynthesis. Studying these microbial communities can provide insights into the origins of life on Earth and the potential for life on other planets.

Researchers are particularly interested in the role of artificial intelligence in analyzing the vast amounts of data generated by studying hydrothermal vent systems. AI algorithms can be used to identify patterns in temperature, chemical composition, and microbial diversity, helping scientists to better understand the complex processes occurring at these sites. For example, machine learning models can be trained to predict the location of new vents based on geological and geophysical data.

The ongoing research at the Milos vent field will involve further exploration of the site using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Scientists plan to collect more samples of fluids, rocks, and microbial mats to further characterize the vent system and its associated ecosystem. The data collected will be used to develop more sophisticated models of hydrothermal vent processes and their impact on the marine environment. The team hopes to better understand the long-term stability and evolution of these unique geological features.