Discover the lost city in the Atlantic Ocean, one of the most extreme environments on the planet

Discovered in 2000, the “Lost City” lies at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, and is the oldest known hydrothermal vent environment on the planet. 700 meters below the surface, the area consists of carbonate formations ranging from a few centimeters across to a large 60-meter-high monolith.

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Research estimates that the lost city arose at least 120,000 years ago. Its towers extend west from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – a formation created by the separation of the South American and African tectonic plates. There, hydrogen, methane and other gases interact with sea water creating an unusual environment where microorganisms survive without the presence of oxygen.

Environments like these may be the key to discovering how life originated on Earth. But this discovery can help find life on other planets too. “This is an example of an ecosystem in which it could be active Enceladus or EuropaAnd [luas de Saturno e Júpiter]said microbiologist William Brazelton.

This is not the only hydrothermal field on the planet, but it was the only one that was detected by remotely operated vehicles. Scientists studying the site highlight the importance of its protection and the research conducted there. However, in 2018 Poland acquired the mining rights around the lost city, which threatens the stability of the environment.

There are no valuable resources at the site itself, but any exploitation of minerals in the vicinity could have disastrous consequences. For this reason, specialists are asking for the city to be included in the list World Heritage Sites UNESCO, which ensures the preservation of natural and built environments around the world.

This is the Lost City, a towering ecosystem in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is completely unique, as life is not found anywhere else on earth. And if someone wants to destroy it? There is nothing you can do about it. No laws. No consequences. Welcome to the high seas… pic.twitter.com/mdG5wOsr5h

– Exploring the Open Ocean (RebeccaRHelm) August 22, 2022

Having existed for tens of thousands of years and harboring one of the most exotic environments on the planet, the lost city may soon be lost forever.

Source: Science alert

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