hydrothermal springs Archives

A hydrothermal vent on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Hot, mineral-rich fluids are distributed throughout the ocean via the dispersion cloud, known as the plume. The photo was taken during the M190 research expedition with the MARUM-QUEST4000 remotely operated vehicle. The arm of the robot holds a temperature lance into the plume to measure the temperature there. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen.

Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return

Hydrothermal Plumes As Invisible Transport Pathways For Iron

by Keith CowingOctober 21, 2025October 21, 2025

The study [Iron’s irony: speciation, complexation & microbial processing of Fe in hydrothermal plumes, Communications Earth & Environment, Nature (open access)] synthesizes existing research and reinterprets it to explain how […]

Atacama Region As Seen From Space -- NASA

Analog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Away Teams & Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Status Report

Atacama Region As A Planetary Analog For Astrobiology

by Keith CowingApril 7, 2024April 7, 2024

One possible approach in astrobiology is to use the range of possibilities offered by the Earth to study geographical niches that could be similar to environments observed on planets or […]