Deepest High-Temperature Hydrothermal Vents Discovered in the Pacific by Underwater Robot

Scientists may have discovered the deepest high-temperature hydrothermal vents in the Pacific. They've found vents located 12,500 feet below the surface in the Gulf of California, about 100 miles east of La Paz, Mexico.

The Pescadero Basin vents were identified with high-resolution sonar data collected by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). This vehicle spent two days gliding about 50 meters above the bottom of the basin, using sound beams to map the depth and shape of the seafloor.

The researchers then examined the detailed map that was created from the AUV data. They found that there were a number of mounds and spires rising up from the seafloor. Data from the AUV also revealed slightly warmer water over some of the spires, which implied that they might be active hydrothermal-vent chimneys.

"Before the AUV survey of Pescadero Basin, all we knew was that this area was really deep and filled with sediment," said David Clague, one of the researchers, in a news release. "I was hoping to find a few outcrops of lava on the seafloor. But we got lucky. The vent field was right on the edge of our survey area, along a fault at the western edge of the basin."

The newly discovered field extends for about a quarter of a mile along this fault. Within this area, there are at least three active hydrothermal chimneys up to 40 feet tall, as well as dozens of low mounds that are most likely collapsed chimneys.

The Pescadero Basin is only the second place in the world where carbonate chimneys have been found in the deep sea. Usually, these chimneys are made primarily out of sulfides. The other location is known as the "Lost City" vent field, which is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

This discovery is just the latest example of how AUVs can help researchers better understand the deep oceans. This could further discoveries and research in the future.

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