Submerged “Forgotten City” Might Offer Knowledge About the Beginnings of Life on Earth
Deep within the ocean, close to an underwater mountain along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, there exists a collection of carbonate “towers” that ascend from the dark depths, forming a rugged terrain. Illuminated solely by remote-operated vehicles dispatched to investigate the area, these formations appear haunting and spectral. The assortment of towers gathered in proximity imparts an urban ambiance, prompting researchers to refer to this natural marvel as the Lost City.
The Lost City Hydrothermal Field was initially uncovered in 2000, situated over 2,300 feet beneath the surface. It represents the longest-lasting vented ecosystem in the ocean, and nothing resembling it has been discovered in the years that followed its finding. Scientists estimate that this distinctive underwater vent field has existed for at least 120,000 years, possibly even longer.
In spite of the desolate oceanic environment surrounding this structure, its label as a “Lost City” is slightly misleading. The elevated mantle interacts with seawater to release methane, hydrogen, and various other gases into the ocean. Consequently, novel microbial communities persist in the crevices of the vent system, managing to thrive even in the absence of oxygen due to the hydrocarbons generated by the chemical reactions of the towers. Some of the calcite towers also function as chimneys; they emit gases at temperatures reaching as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit and accommodate a diverse range of crustaceans and snails. Larger species, including shrimp, sea urchins, crabs, and eels, have also been spotted near the area, albeit less frequently.
Beyond being a natural wonder, comprehending the Lost City is crucial for understanding our own existence. The hydrocarbons produced in these mineral vents arise from chemical reactions occurring on the deep seafloor, rather than being a result of carbon dioxide or sunlight. Since hydrocarbons are recognized as the building blocks of life, the chemical mechanisms occurring in the Lost City could potentially mirror those that initiated life on Earth, and possibly on other planets.
In 2018, microbiologist William Brazelton mentioned to Anna Kusmer at The Smithsonian that, “this illustrates a type of ecosystem that could be functioning on Enceladus or Europa right now.” The prospect that the moons of Saturn and Jupiter might host comparable conditions for life is thrilling. Moreover, there is more to uncover regarding the Lost City. In 2024, researchers announced their successful retrieval of a core sample of mantle rock from the site.
Lost City stands as the sole thermal field of its nature, granting it significant value for the insights we can, and are, deriving from it. However, advancements in mining rights to the adjacent deep sea could adversely affect the remarkable mineral vent system. In light of advocacy for the natural wonder to be designated as a World Heritage site, we must act promptly to safeguard the Lost City, not only for its striking appearance but also for its potential to unveil the mysteries of life itself.
An underwater “Lost City” situated in the deep-sea Mid-Atlantic Ridge might provide essential insights into how life on Earth originated.
The hydrothermal field comprises a series of rugged “towers,” which are constructed from mineral carbonate.
Despite its harsh environment, the Lost City supports a limited number of organisms due to its production of hydrocarbons, resulting from deep-sea chemical interactions.
Researchers believe that exploring the mineral conditions of the Lost City may yield further insights into the origins of life, both on this planet and elsewhere.