Scientists have discovered a vast hydrothermal vent field near Milos, Greece, revealing a dynamic underwater landscape teeming with 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, University of Bremen.
The vent system, located along active fault lines beneath the seafloor, surprised researchers with its scale and diversity. These fractures act as conduits for hot, gas-rich fluids escaping from Earth's interior, creating clusters of vents exhibiting striking visual characteristics. Deep-sea dives revealed 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 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. These vents often support unique ecosystems that thrive on chemosynthesis, where microbes derive energy from chemical reactions rather than sunlight. The discovery of this extensive field near Milos highlights the prevalence of these systems and their potential role in shaping marine environments.
The research team employed detailed surveys to map the vent field and collect samples of the fluids and microbial communities. The data collected will provide insights into the geological processes driving the hydrothermal activity and the adaptations of organisms living in these extreme environments.
The discovery has significant implications for understanding the role of hydrothermal vents in global biogeochemical cycles and the origin of life. Further research will focus on characterizing the microbial communities and assessing the potential for mineral resources associated with the vent field. The scientists plan to continue monitoring the site to track changes in hydrothermal activity and assess the long-term stability of the ecosystem.
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