Scientists exploring the depths of the ocean have discovered new hydrothermal vents rich in minerals, emitting extremely hot water from the South Atlantic, the Arctic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. This discovery is significant as it demonstrates that such hot springs are a global phenomenon, which can help illuminate the geological development of the Earth and the origin of simple life forms.
The vents are associated with exotic animals that were previously thought to exist only in the “Ring of Fire” of the Pacific due to its vigorous volcanic activity and rapidly expanding seabed. However, the discovery of scorching hot springs in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge 20 years ago paved the way for new explorations.
The newly discovered underwater vents, which emit water at temperatures of up to 398oC, have been found along a submerged volcanic ridge connecting ocean basins. Vents occur when cold water seeps into cracks in the ocean floor, becomes heated by contact with the Earth’s interior, and erupts, mixing with the frigid ocean water. The newly discovered underwater springs are referred to as “black smokers” due to the soot-colored water they emit.
In April, German scientists, while studying four active vent areas in the South Atlantic, discovered that three of these vents produced chimneys—formed when water mixes with metals and erupts—associated with volcanic eruptions.
Three months later, Norwegian scientists diving in the Atlantic Ocean discovered two vent areas in the Mohns Ridge located between Greenland and Iceland. The larger area contains at least 10 large vents that spout water up to 10 meters high, while the smaller area is home to numerous shrimp, sea spiders, and other organisms.
British oceanographers also noted a “large column” of dissolved minerals reaching over 1,400 meters above the ocean floor from a vent in the Indian Ocean. This is the first column of this type found outside the Pacific, and scientists are investigating what caused this vent formation.
Areas rich in minerals, including iron, copper, and zinc, are believed to exist in the newly discovered vents. However, the commercial extraction of these resources is limited due to technical challenges and sovereignty issues.
Marine biologists are very interested in underwater vents because of the unique ecosystems that develop around them. The organisms at the vents thrive without sunlight; instead, they rely on chemicals to generate energy.
Scientists have not yet fully examined the fauna in these newly discovered underwater hot springs, but they hope to find biodiversity in these environments. Previous studies have shown that tube worms and giant clams live in vent areas in the Pacific, while blind shrimp have only been found at Atlantic vents.
KHÁNH NHẬT
