Deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, scientists have uncovered a significant new hydrothermal system that offers valuable insights into Earth’s geological and biological history. Located near Papua New Guinea, the Kunlun hydrothermal field is notably larger than the well-known Lost City in the Atlantic, which was once the largest hydrothermal field discovered. This new system is characterized by its vast network of hydrothermal vents, which may hold clues to the origin of life.
According to Science Alert, the scale and unique features of Kunlun make it an important discovery in the field of marine geology and deep-sea ecosystems. Here’s a closer look at the importance of this find.
A Hydrothermal Marvel Beneath the Sea
The Kunlun hydrothermal field spans an impressive 11.1 square kilometers (4.3 square miles), making it over 100 times larger than the Lost City field, which was once the largest known hydrothermal system in the world. Discovered near the mid-Atlantic ridge in 2000, the Lost City was marked by jagged towers and turrets of carbonate rock, while Kunlun’s system is vastly different.
Example of deep-sea black smokers. Photo: Trond Mohn Centre for Deep-Sea Research/University of Bergen.
Researchers from the Laoshan Laboratory and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have revealed that this massive undersea structure is teeming with life, despite the relatively cold temperatures of the fluids. The field’s hydrogen-rich fluids remain at temperatures below 40°C, which is much colder than the “black smokers” found in other hydrothermal fields. These fluids play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing a source of energy for the thriving organisms in the area.
A Key to Understanding the Origin of Life
The discovery of the Kunlun hydrothermal field is not only significant because of its size but also because of its potential to unlock secrets about the origin of life. The hydrogen-rich fluids found in the system are a crucial element for chemosynthesis, a process by which certain organisms create energy without sunlight.
The development model of the Kunlun pipe swarm and on-site observations.
Marine species such as shrimp, squat lobsters, anemones, and tubeworms thrive in this environment, relying on hydrogen-driven chemosynthesis for survival. This rare ecosystem offers a snapshot of how life may have first emerged on Earth, providing a potential model for studying abiotic chemistry and its transition to biological life.
We observed diverse deep-sea life thriving in this environment, including shrimp, squat lobsters, anemones, and tubeworms – species that may rely on hydrogen-driven chemosynthesis – says marine geochemist Weidong Sun from CAS.
The scientific team led by marine geochemist Weidong Sun emphasizes that the ecological potential of Kunlun is vast. The unique chemistry of the system, combined with the presence of diverse species, makes it an ideal location for studying the deep-sea environment and its role in shaping life forms.
Compared to the carbonate towers formed in the Lost City, these pipes/pits provide a more sustained and stable evolutionary time frame, offering a potentially more suitable environment for the evolution of early life – says Sun and his team.
Exploring New Energy Frontiers with Deep-Sea Hydrogen
In addition to its biological and geological significance, the Kunlun hydrothermal field could play a major role in future energy research. Scientists have discovered that the field contributes up to 8% of the total hydrogen flux from submarine sources. This is a significant amount, especially considering the vast potential of deep-sea hydrogen as a renewable energy resource. With its hydrogen-rich fluids, Kunlun stands as a prime candidate for future energy exploration.
The Kunlun system is unique not just because of the exceptionally high hydrogen flux we observed, but also because of its scale and geological setting – says Sun.
It demonstrates that serpentinization-driven hydrogen generation can occur far from mid-ocean ridges, challenging previous assumptions.
The study of the Kunlun system also challenges previous assumptions about the geographical conditions required for hydrogen production. Traditionally, hydrothermal vents are located near mid-ocean ridges, but Kunlun’s location, 80 kilometers west of a trench in the Carolina Plate, defies these norms. This discovery opens the door to exploring other remote hydrothermal systems that could provide valuable resources for the future.