Life can swarm not only on but also in the rocks near hot deep-sea sources. This was discovered by a research team during an expedition to an underwater volcano on the Pacific Ring of Fire at a depth of 2500 meters.
The team led by Monika Bright from the University of Vienna reports that cavities in the rock are inhabited by tubeworms, snails and other life forms. The Pacific Ring of Fire is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, framing the Pacific Ocean to the east, north, and west.
Exciting discovery
So-called hydrothermal vents are underwater sources that are caused by cracks in the earth’s crust in the course of movements of the earth’s plates. Hot water, often enriched with certain minerals, exits there. These can be used by certain microorganisms, which in turn serve as food for other living beings.
The expedition, in which the underwater robot “SuBastian” was used, looked for such vents on an underwater volcano on the East Pacific Ridge off Central America. During the experiments on the chimneys, parts of the volcanic crust were turned over, among other things – and the animals and bacteria discovered inside, surrounded by pleasant 25 degree warm water.
Life in rock detected for the first time
“This discovery has greatly enhanced our understanding of animal life in deep-sea hydrothermal vents,” Bright said. “There are two dynamic habitats in the springs. Animals above and below the surface thrive together, depending on the thermal fluid from below and the oxygen in the seawater from above.”
The existence of life at hydrothermal vents has been known for more than 40 years. Life in the rock underneath has now been proven for the first time, it said. According to the research team’s theory, there could be dispersal of species through cracks and caves in the seabed in many areas. The data received will now be evaluated in detail in the coming months.
