'Medusa' undersea vent discovered
New types of jellyfish were spotted at the vent
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Wednesday, 18, Apr 2007 12:54
Scientists have uncovered a new 'black smoker' – an undersea mineral chimney – at about 8,500 feet underwater.
The chimney emits hot, iron-darkened water that attracts unusual marine life. It has been dubbed the Medusa hydrothermal vent field as its shape is reminiscent of the mythological being.
Pink jellyfish as well as numerous spiky tapeworm casings on the chimney vent bring to mind "the serpent-haired Medusa of Greek myth", said expedition leader Emily Klein, a geology professor from Duke University's Nicholas school of the environment and earth sciences.
The bell-shaped jellyfish near the vent are said to be very unusual as their colour-type has not been seen before.
Using a probe onboard a remotely controlled robotic vehicle, temperatures of 335 degrees Celsius (635 degrees Fahrenheit) have been recorded at the vent's opening.
Dr Klein added that it is "astonishing that a rich ecology thrives in these extreme environments" and she is "ecstatic" to have seen the hypothermal vent site.
Two types of tubeworm from the vent area have been retrieved for expedition scientists and graduate students to examine and preserve.
The scientists behind the discovery are currently onboard the ship Atlantis to study the geology of a complex section of the East Pacific Rise.
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