Arctic Ocean Vent Revelation Fuels Search for Extraterrestrial Life
A recent study of EarthS northernmost deep-sea hydrothermal vent system has revealed a surprising diversity in vent types, exceeding previous understanding. This discovery holds significant implications for the search for life beyond Earth, according to researchers.
The study focused on the Polaris vent system, located in the Arctic Ocean. Unlike typical “black smoker” vents, Polaris releases fluids rich in hydrogen and methane, but low in metals. This unique composition challenges existing models of hydrothermal vent systems.
The research team, using geochemical analysis and seafloor surveys, uncovered a previously unknown level of diversity. “where detailed studies have been carried out, ‘a diversity of styles of venting has been found, beyond what had previously been reported.This expansion of the geodiversity of hydrothermal sites has continued into the Arctic Ocean, first with the Aurora hydrothermal field [in the Gakkel Ridge] and now with this study,’ ” explains a leading researcher.
Chris German, a senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and co-author of the study, highlighted the significance of this discovery. “Hydrogen-rich vents like Polaris have a lot more chemical potential energy available for life than any other kinds of vents, bang per buck. The microbial diversity you get when there is that much energy available also is really quite impressive and distinct from most ordinary hydrothermal vents,” he stated.
The implications extend far beyond earth. German, also principal investigator for NASA’s Exploring Ocean Worlds project, added, “The discoveries we have made here are particularly vital because they reassure us that we could go and search for life on other ocean worlds beyond Earth in a credible and meaningful way, based on what we now know.” He emphasized the need for improved methods to explore and classify hydrothermal plumes on Earth.
Becky McCauley Rench, Astrobiology Program Scientist at NASA headquarters, underscored the broader context of this research. “Understanding the distribution of life in the universe starts here at home in exploring the places and ways that life thrives on Earth,” she said.”The work of this team amplifies the importance of expanding our knowledge of our home planet and applying those lessons as we search the solar system and universe for answers about whether we are alone. What we learn here,in the Arctic or anywhere on Earth,is directly applied to our prosperous exploration at other worlds,like Europa and Enceladus,and beyond.”
The research was funded by NASA’s PSTAR program at WHOI,and by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation,the Helmholtz Association,and the Max Planck Society in Germany.
