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Centre for Geobiology

What makes vents so interesting?

Since their discovery in the 1970’s, deep sea hydrothermal vents have been capturing popular imagination.

CGB research cruise 2015
Photo:
Cedric Hamelin

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At that time, it was utterly astounding to find whole ecosystems thriving without sunlight. Researchers now recognise that photosynthesis, the capturing of the sun’s energy, is not the only energetic basis for life. Life can also thrive on energy produced in chemical reactions called redox reactions. This process is called chemosynthesis and this discovery has revolutionised our thinking about the criteria for life, both here on Earth and beyond.

 

Vents have a global impact

As technological advances have enabled researchers to learn increasingly more about venting processes they are coming to understand that they impact global element cycling for a number of important elements, such as sulphur, carbon, magnesium and iron. The possible effects of deep sea volcanism and venting on global element cycling and on the environment, such as climate, had not been considered a few short decades ago.

 

Vents are sites of major mineral resources

Researchers are also coming to understand that extensive mineral resources can be found in the deep sea. Technology advances and a growing demand for biological and mineral resources, has many wondering if we are poised for a new “gold rush” period in the deep sea. Researchers, governments and environmental agencies are beginning to address the need for regulations, guidelines and oversight.

Post-doc Tamara Baumberger has been participating in CGB cruises since 2007. Her research focus is fluid and gas geochemistry of hydrothermal vents. She explains that the discovery of Loki’s Castle in 2008 was the first time she had participated in a vent discovery. She says it was terribly exciting!