Juan de Fuca Ridge Archives - Astrobiology

New benchmark AX-403 was deployed at the base of the western caldera wall of the Axial Seamount volcano. This photo was taken during the ROV Jason dive J2-1432 of the Axial Seamount Cruise, June 19 to July 2, 2022 from the R/V Thompson. Public Domain. Original photo courtesy of NOAA via USGS larger image

Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Methanothermococcus jasoni sp. nov., A Novel Thermophilic Methanogen From Subseafloor Hydrothermal Vent Fluids Of Axial Seamount, Juan de Fuca Ridge

by Keith CowingMarch 10, 2026March 10, 2026

Low-temperature (34 °C) hydrothermal fluid was collected from Axial Seamount along the Juan de Fuca Ridge in the northeast Pacific Ocean.

The Alvin submersible is recovered on deck following a seven-hour dive, concluding a successful day of hydrothermal vent sampling. Photo courtesy of Will Carter

Away Teams & Field Reports, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Education and Outreach, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Life Support Systems, Missions & Hardware, People Of Astrobiology, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Tricorders & Sensors, Video, Audio, Webcasts, Podcasts, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Ocean Planet Recon: ASU Expedition Finds An Aquatic World Teeming With Life

by Keith CowingMarch 5, 2026March 5, 2026

Imagine descending nearly a mile and a half into a watery abyss, watching the sunlight disappear as the world around you turns completely black. Then suddenly, you find yourself surrounded […]

Cartoon illustrating the physical configuration for sustaining a hydrothermal siphon, with primary driving and resistive forces as applied in this study. Terms are discussed in text and combined in Equation 2. ∆Pv (>0) is primary driving energy in simulations, based on differences in temperature and density between recharging and discharging columns of pore fluid. ∆PR, ∆PD, ∆PC, and ∆PL (≤0) are pressure (energy) losses, depending on formation properties and the extent of secondary convection. ∆Psiph is what remains of ∆Pv after accounting for loss terms, available to drive siphon flow. s = sediment/conductive boundary layer, bu = upper rocky layer, ba = aquifer layer. This cartoon neglects other potential driving forces such as tidal pumping and buoyancy generated by exothermic reactions. -- Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets

Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Europa, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Gravitational Biology, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Missions & Hardware, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Sustaining Hydrothermal Circulation With Gravity Relevant to Ocean Worlds

by Keith CowingJune 28, 2024June 28, 2024

Some ocean worlds may sustain active, seafloor hydrothermal systems, but the characteristics and controls on fluid-heat transport in these systems are not well understood.

A view of a hydrothermal vent at the Main Endeavour Field on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, snapped from the submersible Alvin. -- WHOI

Away Teams & Field Reports, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Status Report

Draft Genomes of Two Unique Bacteria

by Keith CowingApril 7, 2020April 12, 2024

Two research teams supported in part by the NASA Astrobiology Program have published draft genome sequences of unique types of bacteria isolated from natural environments.