A significant discovery has emerged from the depths of the Pacific Ocean, where researchers have identified a massive undersea hydrothermal field known as the Kunlun hydrothermal field. This newly uncovered area spans 11.1 square kilometers (4.3 square miles), far exceeding the size of the Atlantic Ocean’s famed Lost City, which was once considered the largest hydrothermal vent field in the world.
The Kunlun field, located northeast of Papua New Guinea, features a complex landscape of deep craters and carbonate walls, illuminated by hydrothermal vents releasing hydrogen-rich fluids at temperatures below 40°C. Researchers from the Laoshan Laboratory and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have highlighted that the scale and geological context of Kunlun challenge previous assumptions about hydrothermal systems.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of Kunlun offers crucial insights into the origins of life on Earth. The unique seafloor conditions, with hydrogen-rich fluids, are reminiscent of the primordial “hot soups” believed to have existed billions of years ago, providing an ideal environment for the formation of biological life from inorganic materials. Marine geochemist Weidong Sun emphasizes the ecological potential of this new field, noting the diverse deep-sea life observed, including shrimp, squat lobsters, anemones, and tubeworms that may rely on hydrogen-driven chemosynthesis.
With an estimated contribution of up to 8 percent of the global abiotic hydrogen flux from submarine sources, Kunlun stands out as an influential system for further research. The geological features of Kunlun, including craters that can measure hundreds of meters in diameter and depths exceeding 100 meters, contrast sharply with the thin, jagged towers of the Lost City.
Formation and Future of Kunlun
The formation of the Kunlun pipes occurred when seawater infiltrated the Earth’s mantle, instigating reactions that released heat and hydrogen. Initial explosions created craters, followed by further reactions as fractures developed in the rock, leading to additional hydrogen production. Over time, carbonate sediments sealed these channels, allowing hydrogen to accumulate and causing subsequent minor explosions.
Researchers anticipate that the Kunlun vents may eventually become inactive once seawater can no longer penetrate the depths and interact with the hydrogen-rich materials. The Kunlun hydrothermal field is uniquely positioned, located 80 kilometers west of a trench and within the Carolina Plate, making it a prime candidate for future exploration.
Sun notes that the discovery not only highlights the exceptional hydrogen flux of Kunlun but also redefines the understanding of hydrothermal activity far from mid-ocean ridges. As research continues, the potential for discovering more undersea metropolises like Kunlun remains tantalizing. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances, promising to reshape the narrative of undersea exploration and the origins of life on our planet.
