Scientists have discovered a vast 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, University of Bremen.

The vent system, located along active fault lines beneath the seafloor, surprised researchers with its size and diversity. These geological fractures act as conduits, allowing hot, gas-rich fluids to escape from the Earth's interior. Deep-sea dives revealed clusters of vents exhibiting striking visual variations, including 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 representative from MARUM. The hydrothermal field offers a unique opportunity to investigate the interaction between geological processes and biological life in extreme conditions.

Hydrothermal vents are formed when seawater seeps into the Earth's crust, is heated by magma, and then expelled back into the ocean, carrying dissolved minerals and gases. These vents often support unique ecosystems that thrive on chemosynthesis, where microorganisms derive energy from chemical compounds rather than sunlight. The newly discovered field near Milos is particularly significant due to its size and the shallow depth of the vents, making it more accessible for research.

The discovery has implications for understanding the role of hydrothermal vents in global ocean chemistry and the evolution of life on Earth. These systems are believed to have played a crucial role in the early development of life, providing environments where the first organisms could have originated. Studying the microbial communities in the Milos vent field could provide insights into the origins and adaptations of life in extreme environments.

Researchers plan to continue studying the Milos hydrothermal field to further characterize its geological and biological features. Future expeditions will focus on mapping the extent of the vent system, analyzing the chemical composition of the fluids, and investigating the diversity and function of the microbial communities. The findings could also contribute to our understanding of the potential for mineral resources associated with hydrothermal vents and the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining.