Theoretical origin of life: deep ocean vents extremophiles (Introduction)

by David Turell , Thursday, August 25, 2022, 23:49 (821 days ago) @ David Turell

Home to strange life:

https://www.sciencealert.com/theres-a-lost-city-deep-in-the-ocean-and-its-a-place-unlik...

"Discovered by scientists in 2000, more than 700 meters (2,300 feet) beneath the surface, the Lost City Hydrothermal Field is the longest-lived venting environment known in the ocean. Nothing else like it has ever been found.

"For at least 120,000 years and maybe longer, the upthrusting mantle in this part of the world has reacted with seawater to puff hydrogen, methane, and other dissolved gases out into the ocean.

"In the cracks and crevices of the field's vents, hydrocarbons feed novel microbial communities even without the presence of oxygen.

"Chimneys spewing gases as hot as 40 °C (104 °F) are home to an abundance of snails and crustaceans. Larger animals such as crabs, shrimp, sea urchins and eels are rare, but still present.

"Despite the extreme nature of the environment, it appears to be teeming with life, and some researchers think it's worth our attention and protection.

"While other hydrothermal fields like this one probably exist elsewhere in the world's oceans, this is the only one remotely operated vehicles have been able to find thus far.

"The hydrocarbons produced by the Lost City's vents were not formed from atmospheric carbon dioxide or sunlight, but by chemical reactions on the deep seafloor.

"Because hydrocarbons are the building blocks of life, this leaves open the possibility that life originated in a habitat just like this one. And not just on our own planet.

***

Unfortunately, scientists aren't the only ones beckoned by that unusual terrain.

"In 2018, it was announced that Poland had won the rights to mine the deep sea around The Lost City. While there are no precious resources to be dredged up in the actual thermal field itself, the destruction of the city's surroundings could have unintended consequences.

"Any plumes or discharges, triggered by the mining, could easily wash over the remarkable habitat, scientists warn.

"Some experts are therefore calling for the Lost City to be listed as a World Heritage site, to protect the natural wonder before it's too late.

"For tens of thousands of years, the Lost City has stood as a testament to the enduring force of life.

"It would be just like us to ruin it."

Comment: Please hands off