Active Underwater Hot Spring in Southern Indian Ocean

Hot Spring in Southern Indian Ocean

Indian oceanographers have captured the image of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean.

Hydrothermal Vents

• They are underwater springs found near tectonic plate boundaries
• ○ They occur when cold water at the seabed (around 2°C) interacts with magma in tectonically active regions, heating up to 370°C.
• The superheated water then escapes through chimneys and fissures as mineral-rich plumes.
• The hot water from hydrothermal vents is rich in minerals, including sulfur, copper, zinc, gold, iron, and helium.

Technological Feat

• Conducted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
• Utilized an automatic underwater vehicle (AUV) launched from the research vessel Sagar Nidhi.
• High-resolution imaging confirmed active vent fields, chimneys, and the presence of microbial life.

Significance of India’s Deep Ocean Mission

1. Mineral Wealth: Rich deposits of precious metals and rare minerals could fuel India’s resource security and boost economic prospects.
2. Samudrayaan Mission: Enhances India’s capability to explore deep-sea resources and supports sustainable mining practices.
3. Biodiversity Insights: Understanding chemosynthetic ecosystems provides a window into life in extreme environments, offering clues about Earth’s history and potential extraterrestrial life.

Future Implications

• Strengthens India’s standing in global oceanic research.
• Contributes to Blue Economy goals by unlocking sustainable marine resource utilization.
• Deepens international collaborations for ocean exploration technology.

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