Massive hydrothermal field discovered in Pacific
Kunlun hydrothermal field in Pacific, 100x larger than Lost City, gushes hydrogen-rich fluids, hosts diverse life.
Why it matters
- Offers insights into life's origins.
- Potential hydrogen energy source.
By the numbers
- Size: 11.1 km² (4.3 mi²).
- Hydrogen flux: up to 8% of global submarine abiotic hydrogen.
- Temperature: under 40°C.
The big picture
- Kunlun's conditions resemble early Earth, aiding life origin studies.
- Located far from typical vent sites, challenging past assumptions.
What they're saying
- Researchers highlight ecological potential, diverse life forms.
- Concerns about ecological damage from hydrogen extraction.
Caveats
- Published in Science Advances; no specific date provided.
- Some skepticism in comments.
What’s next
- Further research on life's origins using Kunlun.
- Explore hydrogen energy potential with ecological care.