Discovering the Ancient Hydrothermal 'Lost City' Beneath the Atlantic
Discovered in 2000, the 'Lost City' is the oldest hydrothermal environment found over 700 meters below the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, featuring unique rock towers and thriving microbial communities.
Discovering the Ancient Hydrothermal 'Lost City' Beneath the Atlantic
Deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean lies a remarkable geological formation known as the 'Lost City.' This is not the plot of a science fiction novel, but rather a unique underwater landscape featuring towering rock formations. These striking columns of carbonate are illuminated in eerie blue hues in the darkness of the ocean depths, with heights ranging from mere centimeters to an impressive 60 meters. The 'Lost City' is located over 700 meters below the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
The Oldest Hydrothermal Environment Discovered
This enigmatic underwater landscape was discovered in 2000, situated more than 700 meters beneath the Atlantic surface. Known as the Lost City hydrothermal field, it stands as one of the oldest environments ever found in the oceans. Prior to this discovery, scientists had never encountered anything similar.
Researchers believe that for at least 120,000 years—and potentially much longer—the Earth's mantle has interacted with seawater, releasing hydrogen, methane, and other gases that are still present in the oceans today. Within the fissures of this so-called lost city, hydrocarbons continue to sustain new microbial communities, thriving even in the absence of oxygen.
These rocky towers emit hot gases reaching temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius and are home to marine snails and crustaceans. Despite the extreme conditions of this environment, scientists are convinced that studying it could provide insights into how life might develop on other planets.
References:
- Science Alert
