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 issues royal decree appointing new ministers, governors
- Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif was appointed minister of investment
- Khalid Al-Falih was named minister of state and member of the Council of Ministers
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia issued a series of royal orders on Thursday announcing new ministerial, judicial and advisory appointments and relieving several officials of their duties.
Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif was appointed minister of investment, while Khalid Al-Falih was relieved of his position as investment minister and named minister of state and member of the Council of Ministers.
Prince Dr. Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari Al-Saud was appointed adviser to the minister of interior at the rank of excellence, after earlier being relieved of his post as assistant minister of interior for technology affairs.Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Yousef was appointed public prosecutor at the rank of minister and relieved of his post as president of the Board of Grievances.
Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib was relieved of his position as public prosecutor and appointed adviser at the Royal Court at the rank of minister.
Prince Dr. Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari Al-Saud was relieved of his position as assistant minister of interior for technology affairs.
Prince Dr. Saad bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud was appointed a member of the Shura Council, in accordance with the royal order governing the council’s formation.
Princess Haifa bint Mohammed bin Saud bin Khalid Al-Abdulrahman Al-Saud was appointed adviser at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers at the rank of minister, and was relieved of her post as deputy minister of tourism.
The orders also included a number of regional appointments. Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Saud was named deputy governor of Al-Baha Region at the rank of excellence, and was relieved of his position as governor of Diriyah.
Prince Rakan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud was appointed governor of Diriyah, while Prince Fawaz bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud was named governor of Taif.
Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud Al-Saud was appointed deputy governor of Madinah Region and relieved of his post as governor of Taif.
Prince Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud was appointed deputy governor of the Northern Borders Region.
Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Arifi, Advisor at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, has been relieved of his post.
Mohammad bin Muhanna bin Abdulaziz Al-Muhanna has been appointed Assistant Minister of Interior for Operations at the rank of Excellent.
Mohammad bin Muhanna bin Abdulaziz Al-Muhanna has been relieved of his post as Deputy Minister of Interior for Security Affairs.
Dr. Najm bin Abdullah Al-Zaid has been appointed Advisor at the Royal Court at the rank of Excellent.
Dr. Najm bin Abdullah Al-Zaid has been relieved of his post as Deputy Minister of Justice.
Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Ahidib has been appointed President of the Board of Grievances with ministerial rank.
Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Yousef has been appointed Deputy Attorney General at the rank of Minister.
Haitham bin Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Ouhali has been relieved of his post as Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology.
Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Maghlouth has been appointed Deputy Minister of Media at the rank of Excellent.
Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Arifi has been appointed Governor of the National Development Fund at the rank of Excellent.
