First Image of Active Hydrothermal Vent Discovered

In a groundbreaking achievement, Indian oceanographers have successfully captured the first images of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 metres beneath the Indian Ocean. This discovery is a milestone in India’s ₹4,000-crore Deep Ocean Mission, launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Hydrothermal vents have the potential to revolutionise mineral exploration and deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems.

About Hydrothermal Vents

Hydrothermal vents are underwater springs situated near tectonic plate boundaries. They occur when cold seawater, typically around 2°C, infiltrates cracks in the ocean crust. This water interacts with magma, becoming superheated, and then emerges as mineral-rich plumes through vents and chimneys.

Research Background

Since 2012, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) has been surveying the Central and Southern Indian Ocean ridges to locate these vents. The team employs methods such as temperature monitoring and water turbidity analysis to pinpoint potential sites for exploration.

Discovery Process

In April, researchers utilised an automatic underwater vehicle (AUV) to refine their search along the Central Indian Ridge. A collaboration between NCPOR and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) facilitated the use of advanced imaging technology to capture high-resolution photographs of the vent and its environment.

Key Findings

During a 12-15 hour observation, the AUV, launched from the research vessel Sagar Nidhi, documented vent chimneys, black smokers, and evidence of chemosynthetic organisms. These organisms rely on chemicals emitted from the vents instead of sunlight for nourishment.

Hydrothermal vents are abundant in valuable minerals, including copper, zinc, gold, silver, platinum, iron, cobalt, and nickel. Scientists indicate that hydrothermal venting can persist for hundreds to thousands of years, denoting its importance for both economic and biological research.

NCPOR intends to conduct further studies, including TV-guided sampling, to explore the deposits and assess their economic viability. This discovery also opens avenues for studying unique life forms that thrive in extreme marine environments.

GKToday Notes:

1. Hydrothermal Vents: Hydrothermal vents are underwater springs near tectonic plates. They release superheated, mineral-rich water, supporting unique ecosystems that rely on chemicals for sustenance instead of sunlight.
2. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR): NCPOR, based in Goa, conducts research on oceanography. It has been surveying the Indian Ocean since 2012, focusing on hydrothermal vent locations and their ecological significance.
3. Automatic Underwater Vehicle (AUV): An AUV is a robotic submarine used for underwater exploration. It captures high-resolution images and gathers data, facilitating research in challenging marine environments like hydrothermal vent sites.
4. Central Indian Ridge: The Central Indian Ridge is a divergent tectonic plate boundary in the Indian Ocean. It hosts hydrothermal vents and is a key area for oceanographic research and mineral exploration.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs