Antarctica’s Cold Vent Breaks Hydrothermal Norms
British researchers have discovered Hook Ridge, a cold, irregular hydrothermal vent off Antarctica that emits a low-temperature plume rather than the hot fluids typical of vents, and shows no current life due to its irregular activity; a relict mineral chimney reveals past hydrothermal activity and warmth. The finding suggests unusual vents can still influence deep-sea biology and may act as stepping stones for genetic material across the oceans.