Posted on 04/08/2019 11:06:29 AM PDT by BenLurkin
Deep in the Gulf of California, scientists have discovered a fantastical expanse of hydrothermal vents, full of crystallized gases, glimmering pools of piping-hot fluids and rainbow-hued life-forms.
Punctuating it all are towering structures made of minerals from the vents, looming as tall as 75 feet (23 meters). A decade ago, scientists visiting this spot saw nothing unusual; this psychedelic seascape seems to have built up around an increase in hydrothermal venting — spots in the seafloor where mineral-laden and superhot water jets out — in the last 10 years.
"Astonishing is not strong enough of a word," said Mandy Joye, a marine biologist at the University of Georgia, who led the team that discovered the vents.
Among the other surprises at the site were bizarre methane hydrates — natural gas bubbles trapped in a crystalline framework of ice. The methane hydrates at these vents, though, looked strangely irregular, with almost a melted appearance, Joye said.
The researchers don't yet know why the features looked like that. It could be the high pressure and extreme temperatures at the site, Joye said. The ocean water is just 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), while the hydrothermal fluids are a toasty 690.8 F (366 C). Or there may be impurities in the methane gas that cause the strange shapes.
"I've never seen a purple microbial mat, ever, anywhere," Joye said. The researchers are now using genetic sequencing to study the microbes and to learn whether temperature, water chemistry or some other factor determines their color.
The researchers are also delving deeper into the composition of the hydrothermal fluid, which they've already found to be rich in manganese and iron. Finally, Joye said, the team's virologist is studying the viruses that infect the microbes at the site.
(Excerpt) Read more at livescience.com ...
Dang, now I’m wanting to watch a dumb Beatles movie...
Ken, Ken Owsley is that you?
Actually there is an eddy around the tip of the peninsula but not enough to flush the Gulf with cold water.
How deep is the Gulf on average? about 2400 feet. So, deep water is going to be cold anyway.
Nitrogen narcosis.
They found Gavin Newsom, Knee Pad Harris, and Nanzi Piglosi’s birthplace, ya think?
Do only if you’ve a Soth Lord and master of Drunken Fist Wushu riding with you.
I was under the impression that it turned west around Equador. It’s the North Pacific Gyre that’s off of Cabo.
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