'Lost City' found deep in the Atlantic ocean is like nothing that's ever been seen on Earth

Source: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/lost-city-found-deep-atlantic-162007511.html

Summary

The "Lost City" hydrothermal vent field, discovered in the Atlantic's Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is a unique ecosystem reshaping our understanding of life's origins. Unlike volcanic "black smokers," it's located far from volcanism on the Atlantis Massif. Powered by serpentinization, it emits alkaline fluids, creating an environment potentially fostering organic molecule formation. Towering carbonate chimneys characterize the area. Significant for extremophile biology, geochemical cycling, and astrobiology, the Lost City offers a model for life's origins and potentially exists on other ocean worlds like Europa. Future research focuses on microbial communities, dating the system, and protecting this fragile ecosystem amid deep-sea exploration advancements.

Full News Report

Here's a starting paragraph: **Lost City Found Deep in the Atlantic: A Hydrothermal Vent Field Unlike Anything Else Seen on Earth** In a groundbreaking discovery that is reshaping our understanding of Earth's geological and biological processes, scientists have announced the finding of a hydrothermal vent field, dubbed the "Lost City," deep within the Atlantic Ocean. This otherworldly ecosystem, possibly at least 120,000 years old, presents a unique environment never before observed, offering unparalleled insights into the origins of life and the planet's hidden depths. But who discovered this amazing place, what makes it so special, where exactly is it, and why is it so important? The answers to these questions are rewriting scientific textbooks. Here's the full article, incorporating your requirements: **Lost City Found Deep in the Atlantic: A Hydrothermal Vent Field Unlike Anything Else Seen on Earth** In a groundbreaking discovery that is reshaping our understanding of Earth's geological and biological processes, scientists have announced the finding of a hydrothermal vent field, dubbed the "Lost City," deep within the Atlantic Ocean. This otherworldly ecosystem, possibly at least 120,000 years old, presents a unique environment never before observed, offering unparalleled insights into the origins of life and the planet's hidden depths. But who discovered this amazing place, what makes it so special, where exactly is it, and why is it so important? The answers to these questions are rewriting scientific textbooks. This "Lost City," officially known as the Lost City Hydrothermal Field (LCHF), was initially discovered in 2000 during an expedition led by University of Washington researchers using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). However, only recently has the full scope of its uniqueness and potential scientific significance been fully realized, solidifying its status as a truly exceptional find. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom about hydrothermal vent systems and provides a compelling glimpse into how life might have originated on our planet, and possibly even elsewhere in the universe. **What is the Lost City and Why is it so Unique?** The Lost City is not a physical structure in the traditional sense of a "city," but rather a complex network of hydrothermal vents that release hot, alkaline fluids into the deep ocean. What sets it apart from other known hydrothermal vent systems, often referred to as "black smokers," is its geological setting and the chemical composition of the fluids it emits. Unlike black smokers, which are typically located near volcanic activity and release acidic, metal-rich fluids, the Lost City is situated on a submerged mountain called the Atlantis Massif, far from any active volcanism. The vent fluids here are highly alkaline (pH 9-11) and relatively cool (40-90°C), and they are powered by a process called serpentinization. This occurs when seawater reacts with the ultramafic rocks of the oceanic crust, generating hydrogen, methane, and other reduced gases. This process is significant because it creates an environment that is conducive to the formation of organic molecules, the building blocks of life. Furthermore, the Lost City is characterized by towering carbonate chimneys, some exceeding 60 meters in height. These structures are formed by the precipitation of minerals from the alkaline fluids as they mix with the cold, oxygen-rich seawater. They are stark white, giving the area an ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance. **Where is the Lost City Found and How Was it Discovered?** The Lost City is found deep within the Atlantic Ocean, specifically in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, about 15 kilometers west of the ridge axis and at a depth of approximately 800 meters (2,600 feet). This location is crucial, as it's far from the direct influence of volcanic activity that dominates other hydrothermal vent systems. The discovery was made possible by the development of advanced ROV technology. These remotely operated vehicles allowed scientists to explore the deep-sea environment and collect samples of the vent fluids and surrounding rocks. The initial expedition in 2000, using the ROV "Jason," confirmed the existence of the Lost City and provided preliminary data on its unique characteristics. Subsequent expeditions, employing more sophisticated ROVs and manned submersibles, have further elucidated the complexities of this remarkable ecosystem. The sustained research effort, spanning over two decades, highlights the importance of long-term oceanographic studies. **Why is the Lost City Discovery So Significant?** The discovery of the Lost City has profound implications for several fields of scientific inquiry: * **Origin of Life:** The Lost City provides a potential model for the environments in which life may have originated on Earth. The alkaline hydrothermal vents, driven by serpentinization, offer a plausible setting for the abiotic synthesis of organic molecules. This theory contrasts with the more widely accepted "primordial soup" hypothesis, which posits that life originated in shallow, sunlit waters. The conditions at the Lost City are more stable and protected from harmful UV radiation, potentially favoring the development of early life forms. * **Extremophile Biology:** The Lost City is home to a diverse community of microorganisms, many of which are extremophiles – organisms that thrive in extreme environments. These microbes are adapted to the high pH, high temperature, and unique chemical composition of the vent fluids. Studying these organisms can provide insights into the limits of life and the potential for life to exist in other extreme environments, such as on other planets or moons. The microbes include archaea and bacteria that metabolize hydrogen, methane, and other gases produced by serpentinization, forming the base of the food web. * **Geochemical Cycling:** The Lost City plays a significant role in the cycling of elements in the ocean. The serpentinization process alters the chemical composition of seawater and contributes to the formation of carbonate chimneys. The vent fluids also transport dissolved chemicals from the mantle to the ocean, influencing the overall chemistry of the oceans. Understanding these processes is crucial for predicting the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic activities on the marine environment. * **Astrobiology:** The Lost City has become a focal point for astrobiological research. The conditions at the Lost City are similar to those that may exist on other ocean worlds, such as Europa and Enceladus, moons of Jupiter and Saturn, respectively. These moons are believed to have subsurface oceans that may be in contact with rocky cores, potentially leading to serpentinization and the formation of alkaline hydrothermal vents. Studying the Lost City can help scientists develop strategies for searching for life on these distant worlds. **The Potential Impacts and Future Research** The discovery of the "Lost City" has triggered a new wave of research and exploration, with scientists eager to unravel its remaining mysteries. Future research will focus on: * **Mapping the microbial communities:** Identifying the different species of microbes that inhabit the Lost City and understanding their metabolic pathways. * **Determining the age of the vent system:** Refining the estimates of the Lost City's age using radiometric dating techniques. * **Studying the formation of carbonate chimneys:** Understanding the processes that control the growth and morphology of these unique structures. * **Developing new technologies for deep-sea exploration:** Designing and building advanced ROVs and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that can operate in extreme environments. * **Assessing the potential for commercial exploitation:** Evaluating the potential for mining the Lost City for valuable minerals, while also considering the potential environmental impacts. This last point has raised concerns, with many scientists advocating for the protection of this unique ecosystem. **Related Trends and the Future of Deep-Sea Exploration** The discovery of the Lost City is part of a larger trend in deep-sea exploration. Advances in technology are making it possible to explore previously inaccessible parts of the ocean, leading to the discovery of new hydrothermal vent systems, seamounts, and other unique features. This renewed interest in the deep ocean is driven by a combination of scientific curiosity, resource exploration, and national security concerns. The search for new sources of energy and minerals is a major driver of deep-sea exploration. Hydrothermal vents, like the "Lost City," are known to be rich in valuable minerals, such as gold, silver, and copper. However, the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining are still poorly understood, and there is a growing debate about the sustainability of this practice. In conclusion, the "Lost City" found deep in the Atlantic represents a monumental discovery in the fields of geology, biology, and astrobiology. Its unique characteristics challenge our understanding of hydrothermal vent systems and provide a compelling glimpse into the origins of life. As technology advances and our understanding of the deep ocean grows, we can expect to make even more groundbreaking discoveries that will continue to reshape our understanding of the planet. The "Lost City" serves as a potent reminder of the vast unknown that still lies beneath the surface of the ocean and the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems for future generations.