MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences Archives - Astrobiology

It shimmers and sparkles in the deep sea: Under the protruding flange of the hydrothermal vent on the Knipovich Ridge, hot fluids reflect the light due to their optical properties. The image was taken during Expedition MSM131 with the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) MARUM-QUEST 4000. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen.

Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Organic Carbon In A Submarine Pressure Cooker

by Keith CowingJanuary 7, 2026January 7, 2026

The mid-ocean ridge runs through the oceans like a suture. Where the Earth’s plates move apart, new oceanic crust is continuously formed. This is often accompanied by magmatism and hydrothermal […]

Sampling fluids of 180 degree Celsius at the White Sealhound structure. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen

Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Lava / magma ocean / Volcanic Worlds, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Newly Discovered Hydrothermal Fields Off The Island Of Milos

by Keith CowingDecember 2, 2025December 2, 2025

The study identifies three major vent areas — Aghia Kiriaki, Paleochori–Thiorychia, and Vani — all located along active fault zones that run across the Milos shelf.

The new remotely operated vehicle MARUM-QUEST 5000 shortly before its first dive in the North Atlantic. Photo: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; M. Schröder

Analog Studies, Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Ocean Planet Exploration: Maiden Dive Of The New ROV MARUM-QUEST 5000 Submersible

by Keith CowingMay 9, 2025May 9, 2025

The hydrothermal field Menez Gwen was the target location of the first dive of the ROV MARUM-QUEST 5000 at a water depth of about 830 meters. During the dive, which […]

E) Barite and amorphous silica-rich chimney at Nidhogg venting edifice, densely populated by amphipods.

Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Newly Discovered Hydrothermal Vents At Depths Of 3,000 Meters Off Svalbard

by Keith CowingJuly 1, 2024July 1, 2024

Hydrothermal vents are seeps on the sea floor from which hot liquids escape. “Water penetrates into the ocean floor where it is heated by magma. The overheated water then rises […]

Enceladus black smoker

Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology & Virology, Press Release, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Life In The Smoke Of Underwater Volcanoes

by Keith CowingMarch 10, 2023March 12, 2023

Deep down in the ocean at tectonic plate boundaries, hot fluids rise from so-called hydrothermal vents. The fluids are devoid of oxygen and contain large amounts of metals such as […]