120 Thousand Years Old Active Hydrothermal System Discovered in the Atlantic Ocean

The region, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge of the Atlantic Ocean and called the “Lost City Hydrothermal Field”, continues to be studied in the scientific world as an extraordinary undersea ecosystem that has been active for approximately 120 thousand years. This structure, located approximately 700 meters below the surface, attracts attention with its life forms that survive without the need for sunlight. A Rare Non-Volcanic Hydrothermal System The area, discovered in 2000, has a formation structure different from classical hydrothermal vents.

The system in the region is formed as a result of the chemical interaction of sea water and mantle rocks rather than magmatic activities. This process causes the emergence of limestone-like structures on the seabed and chimneys reaching tens of meters in height. Huge Limestone Structures and Chemical Life Cycle In the Lost City hydrothermal area, carbonate structures rising from the sea floor attract attention. It is stated that the height of some chimneys exceeds 60 meters and the hot fluids in the region reach approximately 40 ° C.

This chemical environment allows the development of an ecosystem independent of solar energy. Scientists stated that such hydrothermal systems constitute an important model not only in understanding the extreme living conditions on Earth, but also in studies of the possibility of life in the universe. It is considered that similar chemical environments may be found, especially on ice-covered planetary moons such as Europa and Enceladus.

Seabed activities carried out in the immediate vicinity of the region have become a matter of debate due to possible effects on the sensitive ecosystem. Experts state that the Lost City hydrothermal area should be given special status at the international level to protect it.