Giant underwater hydrothermal system discovered near Milos island

A massive underwater hydrothermal system has been uncovered near the Greek island of Milos. Scientists describe it as one of the largest and most important natural laboratories in the Mediterranean. The discovery reveals a dynamic environment shaped by volcanic forces and shifting tectonic plates. The system spans three major fields, positioned to the south, southeast, and northwest of Milos. They lie along the eastern edge of the Fyriplaka volcano, where two key fault lines meet. This geological activity fuels the hydrothermal vents, allowing mineral-rich water and volcanic gases to rise in thick bubble columns.

Found at depths between 100 and 230 metres on the island’s continental shelf, the fields vary in size. One stretches over 4.5 kilometres in length, while another covers roughly 1.5 square kilometres. The seabed here is marked by shimmering fluids, bubbling streams, and dense microbial mats. The entire system is powered by the island’s volcanic activity and the movement of tectonic faults. These forces create a unique underwater landscape, making it a rare site for scientific study in the region.

The discovery confirms Milos’s hydrothermal system as one of the Mediterranean’s most significant. Its size, volcanic activity, and mineral-rich vents offer researchers a rare opportunity to study extreme underwater environments. The findings could provide deeper insights into geological and biological processes in the area.