Galapagos news

October 31, 2023: Galapagos Islands: New hydrothermal spring discovered

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A chimney discovered in a previously unknown hydrothermal vent field near the Galapagos Islands. The research team used a variety of technologies, including sonar, chemical sensors and a remotely operated vehicle coupled to a research vessel, to locate these geological structures and their surrounding ecosystems (Photos: Schmidt Ocean Institute)

In the Pacific Ocean west of the Galapagos Islands, a group of scientists has discovered a new hydrothermal vent with elements similar to those in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. The vent field was named “Sendero del Cangrejo” (Crab Trail/Street) by the scientists because the researchers discovered it when “a Galatheid crab appeared” to “guide” them. The U.S. and Ecuadorian research team was a Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) expedition. The group was led by Dr. Roxanne Beinart from the University of Rhode Island and Dr. Led by Jill McDermott of Lehigh University. The researchers detected chemical signals from the 9,178 square meter vent field while exploring the region with an ROV submarine. According to the Charles Darwin Foundation, the discovery of these hydrothermal vents was made during a 43-hour dive, the longest in the seven years the ROV has been exploring the area.” (Source: latina-press.de)


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