Hydrothermal Environment Discovered Deep Beneath the Ocean

A new hydrothermal environment named Jøtul has been discovered deep beneath the Arctic Ocean off the coast of Svalbard, Norway. This field of hydrothermal vents, located along the Knipovich Ridge, provides warmth and chemical reactions that support unique life forms thriving in the extreme conditions. These vents release minerals and materials dissolved in the oceanic crustal rocks, creating a food web based on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis. The discovery of the Jøtul Field fills a significant gap in the understanding of hydrothermal systems in the Norwegian-Greenland Sea and provides insights into ocean chemistry and the circulation of materials like carbon. This finding is crucial for understanding Earth's biodiversity, planetary functions, and the emergence of life in different environments. The research, published in Scientific Reports, sheds light on the importance of hydrothermal environments in deep-sea ecosystems and their impact on global processes.