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Chemical Gardens as Flow-through Reactors Simulating Natural Hydrothermal Systems
Published on: November 18, 2015
A serpentinite-hosted ecosystem: the Lost City hydrothermal field
Deborah S Kelley1, Jeffrey A Karson, Gretchen L Früh-Green
1School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. kelley@ocean.washington.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 5, 2005
Summary
The Lost City hydrothermal field hosts a unique ecosystem fueled by serpentinite-peridotite reactions, supporting methane-cycling Archaea and diverse macrofauna. This geological setting differs from volcanically driven systems, featuring lower biomass but comparable species diversity.
Area of Science:
- * Marine Geology and Geochemistry
- * Microbial Ecology
- * Hydrothermal Vent Systems
Background:
- * The Lost City hydrothermal field is a serpentinite-hosted ecosystem in the Atlantic Ocean.
- * Geological and chemical processes are linked to biological activity.
- * Fluids are rich in methane and hydrogen, with alkaline pH (9-11) and temperatures (40-90°C).
Purpose of the Study:
- * To describe the unique geological, chemical, and biological characteristics of the Lost City hydrothermal field.
- * To investigate the microbial and macrofaunal communities and their relationship to the environment.
- * To compare this system to other hydrothermal vent sites.
Main Methods:
- * Analysis of fluid chemistry and temperature.
- * Geological surveys of carbonate chimney structures.
- * Microbial and macrofaunal community assessments.
Main Results:
- * Formation of tall carbonate chimneys (30-60m) from serpentinite-hosted reactions.
- * Abundance of methane-cycling Archaea in the porous chimney interiors.
- * Macrofaunal communities exhibit notable species diversity, comparable to Mid-Atlantic Ridge sites.
- * Lower overall biomass compared to volcanically driven hydrothermal systems.
Conclusions:
- * The Lost City hydrothermal field represents a distinct type of deep-sea ecosystem driven by serpentinization.
- * Microbial life is adapted to methane-rich, alkaline conditions.
- * The ecosystem's structure and diversity are influenced by geological and chemical factors rather than volcanic heat.
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