Uncovering The 'Lost City' - A Bizarre Underwater World Unlike Anything On Earth
The mysteries hidden beneath our oceans have captivated human imagination for centuries, inspiring countless legends about what might lie below the surface.
But forget Atlantis. Scientists have discovered a real “Lost City” under the sea, and this one is bursting with life.
This dramatic underwater landscape, filled with rocky towers and vast stone formations, sits west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, hundreds of meters beneath the Atlantic Ocean. Massive columns, walls, and monoliths rise over 60 meters (200 feet) from the ocean floor.
While it’s not the remnants of an ancient human civilization, its significance is still profound.
Known as the “Lost City,” the hydrothermal field was first discovered in 2000. According to Science Alert, it’s the longest-lasting venting environment ever found in the ocean.
There is nothing else quite like it on Earth, and scientists believe it may offer a window into life that could exist beyond our planet.
For more than 120,000 years, this alien-like environment has supported microbial life, snails, and crustaceans. The vents here release hydrogen, methane, and other gases into the surrounding water, fueling unique ecosystems.
Even in the absence of oxygen, larger creatures such as crabs, shrimp, and eels manage to survive, although they remain relatively rare.
The hydrocarbons that support life in this place don’t come from sunlight or carbon dioxide. Instead, they’re produced through chemical reactions deep within the seafloor.
Scientists think this could be similar to how life first began on Earth about 3.7 billion years ago — and how it might emerge on other worlds.
“This is an example of a type of ecosystem that could be active on Enceladus or Europa right this second,” microbiologist William Brazelton told The Smithsonian in 2018, referencing Saturn and Jupiter’s moons.
“And maybe Mars in the past.”
Watch the video:
On the left, a remotely operated vehicle examines the towering spires of the Lost City; on the right, bacteria thrive on a calcite vent.
The tallest of the Lost City’s monoliths has been named Poseidon, after the Greek god of the sea, standing at more than 60 meters high.
Just northeast of this towering formation lies a cliffside where vents “weep” with fluid, creating "clusters of delicate, multi-pronged carbonate growths that extend outward like the fingers of upturned hands," according to researchers at the University of Washington.
There is growing support for designating the Lost City as a World Heritage site, with many urging protection of this extraordinary natural formation, especially given humanity’s history of damaging fragile ecosystems.
In 2018, it was confirmed that Poland had secured rights to mine the deep sea surrounding the hydrothermal field.
While the Lost City itself is not expected to be directly affected, Science Alert points out that disrupting the nearby environment could lead to unforeseen consequences.
The Ecological Significance of Underwater Discoveries
Marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle emphasizes that underwater ecosystems like the one discovered near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge are vital for global biodiversity. These habitats host unique species, many of which are still undocumented.
She notes, “Every time we explore the ocean, we find new forms of life that can teach us about resilience and adaptation.” Such discoveries not only expand our understanding of marine biology but can also lead to new advancements in medicine and environmental science.
Exploring underwater environments can be daunting, but experts suggest using advanced technologies to safely conduct research. Oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard, known for his deep-sea explorations, advocates for the use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to navigate these depths.
He explains that ROVs can collect data without endangering human divers, providing crucial information about underwater structures and ecosystems. Incorporating this technology allows researchers to maximize data collection while minimizing ecological disruption, ensuring that we protect these fragile environments for future generations.
Solutions & Coping Strategies
As we continue to unveil the mysteries of underwater worlds, it's essential to remain mindful of their ecological importance. Experts like Dr. Sylvia Earle remind us that these environments serve as reservoirs of biodiversity, crucial for the health of our planet.
Moreover, utilizing advanced research methods, as highlighted by Dr. Robert Ballard, not only enhances our understanding but also protects these delicate ecosystems. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to conservation, we can ensure that our explorations benefit both science and the environment.
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