Marine researchers have found a new ecosystem supported by hydrothermal vents deep under the sea. Once again demonstrating we still have much to learn about life on our planet.
A recent expedition was led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, with the team traveling to the East Pacific Rise, off of Central America.
They dropped an underwater robot more than 8,200 feet, which overturned chunks of volcanic crust, discovering cave systems teeming with worms, snails, and chemosynthetic bacteria living in 75 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) water, reports phys.org.
The discovery adds a new dimension to hydrothermal vents, showing that their habitats exist both above and below the seafloor. Scientists have spent the past 46 years studying hydrothermal vents and microbial life in the subsurface, but have never looked for animals under these volcanic hot springs.
They also found that there are tube worm-like creatures moving through passages underneath the seafloor, which travel through vent fluid to colonize new habitats.
These discoveries are huge, as scientists are always looking to better understand the deep sea. Finding a new ecosystem is "truly remarkable," Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director Jyotika Virmani said in a statement, and "provides fresh evidence that life exists in incredible places."