In 2018, concerns arose when it was reported that Poland gained rights to mine the deep-sea region surrounding the Lost City Hydrothermal Field, an ecosystem located over 700 meters beneath the Atlantic Ocean. The potential impact of such mining activities on the environment sparked calls for urgent protection measures to preserve it before irreversible damage occurs, according to Science Alert.
Perched atop the submerged mountain Atlantis along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Lost City Hydrothermal Field features a jagged landscape of towering carbonate formations that rise from the ocean floor like an ancient fortress lost to time. The spires range in size from small mushroom-like stacks to Poseidon, the tallest monolith stretching more than 60 meters high, notes dailygalaxy.com.
Discovered in 2000 during a National Science Foundation-sponsored expedition, the Lost City captivated scientists with its hydrothermal vents and ecosystem. Unlike black smoker vents, which rely on magma to heat surrounding water, the Lost City's ecosystem thrived on chemical reactions deep within the Earth's mantle. According to Science Alert, these reactions between upthrusting mantle rock and seawater produce hydrogen and methane at rates far greater than those found in volcanic hydrothermal systems.
The venting chimneys continuously released gases at temperatures up to 40°C (104°F), creating an extreme environment teeming with life. Microbial communities within the Lost City thrived on hydrocarbons produced by these chemical reactions, nourishing life without the need for sunlight or oxygen. "Within the cracks and crevices of its towering chimneys, strands of bacteria cling to the mineral surfaces, feeding on hydrocarbons that emerge from the vents," dailygalaxy.com noted.
Scientists believed that the Lost City may hold clues to how life first began on Earth. The hydrocarbons produced by its vents are ingredients for life, suggesting that life could have originated in a habitat similar to the Lost City.
"This is an example of a type of ecosystem that could be active on Enceladus or Europa right this second," said microbiologist William Brazelton to The Smithsonian. He added, "And maybe Mars in the past," indicating that similar hydrothermal systems could have supported microbial life on other celestial bodies.
Despite the absence of larger animals such as crabs and eels, smaller forms of life like worms and crustaceans thrive in the ecosystem, demonstrating the resilience of life in extreme conditions.
The potential threat from deep-sea mining is a concern. Scientists warn that habitat degradation around the Lost City could have unforeseen consequences. According to Science Alert, plumes or discharges caused by mining could easily enter the fragile ecosystem.
Many experts believe that the Lost City Hydrothermal Field should be designated as a World Heritage Site to ensure its survival and protection. With deep-sea mining projects expanding worldwide, researchers are calling for urgent measures. ogy advances, scientists are eager to unlock more of its secrets before human interference threatens its existence. According to dailygalaxy.com, whether the ecosystem will continue to inspire and reveal the mysteries of our planet and beyond depends on the decisions made today.
Scientists are particularly interested in the Lost City's potential to shed light on extraterrestrial life. The conditions found here mirror those that could exist on distant ocean worlds. "Scientists believe that environments like the Lost City Hydrothermal Field could exist on distant ocean worlds, including the icy moons Europa and Enceladus," reports dailygalaxy.com. These moons harbor vast subsurface oceans beneath their frozen exteriors, and hydrothermal activity could create environments suitable for life.
The remarkable stability of the Lost City's hydrothermal system adds to its scientific value. The venting chimneys have been active for over 120,000 years due to unique chemical processes that allow them to remain active without relying on volcanic activity. This longevity provides a rare opportunity to study life in conditions that have persisted over geological timescales.
The Lost City's towering structures are not just geological wonders but habitats teeming with life. According to Science Alert, "The monolithic spires of the Lost City Hydrothermal Field are formed by mineral-rich fluids seeping from the Earth's crust." These structures house unusual ecosystems fueled not by sunlight but by chemical reactions, demonstrating life's adaptability.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.