Deepest undersea vents discovered

Posted on Friday, 22 February, 2013 | Comment icon

8 comments | News tip by: Still Waters

Image credit: NOAA

Scientists exploring the Carribean have identified the deepest thermal vents anywhere in the world.

Located 5km below the surface, the vents are located within the Cayman Trough region. Using a special remotely-operated vehicle, researchers have been able to take a close-up look at the alien landscape at the bottom of the sea which features spindly stacks up to 10m high which belch out dark water at temperatures of 400C. The site is one of 200 known to contain deep sea hydrothermal vents.

"The beauty of working in the deep oceans is that you're always stumbling over things that are completely new," said Dr Jon Copley. "It's teaching us how little we know and for a few minutes it's not about the science, it's about the wonder of the planet, something that's been hidden for so long."

UK scientists exploring the ocean floor in the Caribbean have discovered an "astounding" set of hydrothermal vents, the deepest anywhere in the world.

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Source: BBC News

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Recent comments on this story

#1 Posted by Twinkle Arora is back on 22 February, 2013, 13:05

It is kind of fascinating that still now we have so much to discover on this planet. It is also kind of scary because as we increase our reaches in the ocean deeper and deeper I hope we don't start eating the deep sea creatures also. I mean I can clearly see that they are not meant to be part of our food chain naturally, but anyways, many things weren't. What I also found strange that the name of the machine that was discovering these things deep down the ocean was "Predator", I have no idea why they named that. Maybe I am thinking too much. I hope they don't start eating... [More]

#2 Posted by wimfloppp on 22 February, 2013, 15:12

we no doubt will destroy that part of the planet as we are the rest of it.

#3 Posted by shrooma on 22 February, 2013, 15:51

we've been dumping radioactive waste into the seas for decades wimfloppp.

#4 Posted by paperdyer on 22 February, 2013, 19:28

We'd rather go to other planets than properly explore the oceans. More media hype and money available.

#5 Posted by Sundew on 23 February, 2013, 2:40

If the base of this food chain is sulfur digesting bacteria, I would imagine that these creatures (if edible) would not be very tasty.

#6 Posted by King Cobra 1408 on 26 February, 2013, 20:33

i agree its not about the science although i love discovering new info/knowledge real knowledge not the B.S we hear from the news stations like NBC and etc.i don't listen to the mainstream media and news stations anyway but its just an example.but that is true we think we know a lot about the ocean but the truth is there's like 95% of the oceans we haven't discovered or even yet don't know what there.mother earth and nature is amazing though.and humans treat it such a negative way and such bad ways that we think there are no negative consequnces or effects

#7 Posted by regeneratia on 1 March, 2013, 1:19

I always find this particular subject fascinating. I don't know any science for it. However it is so intriguing.

#8 Posted by The New Richard Nixon on 2 March, 2013, 21:49

Can't really destroy it, the vents will still be there for thousands of years

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