The Lost City Hydrothermal Field, a unique underwater ecosystem off the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is being explored for insights into the origins of life. This ancient venting environment, active for at least 120,000 years, supports diverse microbial communities fueled by chemical reactions rather than sunlight. The discovery of a record-breaking mantle rock core sample from the Lost City promises to unlock further secrets about this extraordinary habitat.
Close to the summit of an underwater mountain west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a jagged landscape of towers rises from the gloom.
For at least 120,000 years and maybe longer, the upthrusting mantle in this part of the world has reacted with seawater to puff hydrogen, methane, and other dissolved gases out into the ocean. The hydrocarbons produced by the Lost City's vents were not formed from atmospheric carbon dioxide or sunlight, but by chemical reactions on the deep seafloor.
The calcite vents of the Lost City are also much, much larger than black smokers, which suggests they've been active for longer.
HYDROTHERMAL FIELDS LIFE ORIGINS MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES DEEP SEA EXPLORATION ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
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