A team of scientists has uncovered a thriving ecosystem hidden beneath the seafloor, revealing a previously unknown world teeming with life, CNN reports.
During a 30-day expedition aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel “Falkor (too),” the team discovered a network of caves connected to hydrothermal vents along the East Pacific Rise, an active volcanic ridge in Central America.
Using the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian, researchers explored these caves, finding an abundance of giant tube worms, some reaching up to 1.6 feet long, along with snails, and chemosynthetic bacteria. The discovery, published in the journal Nature Communications, suggests a hidden connection between the seafloor and subseafloor ecosystems, allowing life to flourish in unexpected places.
The team, which included researchers from the University of Vienna, the University of Bremen, and the Schmidt Ocean Institute, used the SuBastian to drill small holes in the seafloor and lift up sections of volcanic rock. This revealed cavities filled with water at a comfortable 75 degrees Fahrenheit, housing a thriving community of animals that have adapted to the unique conditions of the subseafloor.
These organisms rely on chemosynthetic bacteria, which use chemical reactions to produce energy, as opposed to sunlight-dependent photosynthesis found in shallower waters. This discovery highlights the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth, demonstrating that even in the most extreme environments, complex ecosystems can thrive.
The discovery has far-reaching implications for our understanding of ocean life and the importance of protecting these delicate ecosystems. The team is now working to determine the extent of these caves and the diversity of life they harbor.
However, the team emphasizes the need for caution when studying these fragile ecosystems. The research team only lifted six small squares of seafloor to minimize disturbance. They warn that larger-scale operations like deep-sea mining could disrupt the delicate balance of these ecosystems, potentially causing irreparable damage.
