RIYADH: Scientists at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have discovered the existence of active hydrothermal vent fields in the Red Sea, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The university said on Monday that the Hatiba Mons fields, the largest of their kind ever reported, were the focus of this discovery.
Hydrothermal vents are hot springs created by underwater volcanoes located at tectonic plate boundaries. The release of warm fluids heated by magma beneath the volcano results in an abundance of microbial communities that exceed normal levels.
According to KAUST, these findings will provide valuable insight into the biological and mineral resources of the deep Red Sea, as well as the evolutionary processes of life in extreme environments.
KAUST scientists have identified 45 vent fields at Hatiba Mons, covering an area of 1.6 sq. km. Notably, all 14 directly observed fields were actively venting, setting them apart from other vent fields worldwide, which are typically limited to smaller areas of active venting along mid-ocean ridges.
The vents’ relatively low temperatures, measured at 40 C, have contributed to the formation of numerous iron-oxyhydroxide mounds that support thriving microbial communities. These communities are thought to play an important role in the formation of large mounds, providing favorable conditions for the flourishing of life via positive feedback mechanisms.
The presence of macrofauna near the vents was an intriguing find, highlighting the potential of these microbial communities to shed light on the origins and adaptations of life in the deep sea.
KAUST scientists discover first hydrothermal vent fields in Red Sea
https://arab.news/gfxqd
KAUST scientists discover first hydrothermal vent fields in Red Sea
- Hatiba Mons fields, the largest of their kind ever reported, were the focus of discovery
Saudi Arabia stops ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base
- Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia shot down seven ballistic missiles, the defense ministry said early Wednesday.
Six of the missiles were aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, and the other was intercepted while heading to the Eastern Province.
Seven drones were knocked down heading to the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter.
Thirteen drones were also shot down in Al-Kharj, Hafar Al-Batin, and other parts of the Eastern Province, the ministry said.
The war, launched by the US and Israel on Iran, has escalated, impacting regional stability and sparking a global energy crisis.
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom, Gulf states and other countries in the region, saying they threaten regional security and violate international law.
The cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via videoconference, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Brent crude hit a historic $120 a barrel on Monday before settling back down to $90 a barrel on Tuesday.
Amin Nasser, CEO of Aramco, the world’s top oil exporter, told reporters: “There would be catastrophic consequences for the world’s oil markets and the longer the disruption goes on ... the more drastic the consequences for the global economy.”
The White House said that gas prices will plummet once US objectives in the war are reached.
The conflict could stretch on for months despite US President Donald Trump saying that it could be drawing to a close. But Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said it will end when they decide.
