Deep Sea Moments No. 2
Hydrothermal vents can be associated with the upwelling of volcanic gases, as is the case with these vents in the eastern Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea. At water depths of 1,250 meters, a great deal of carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) flows out of the seafloor in addition to heated water. At the high pressures prevailing in the deep sea, the CO2 is liquid, not gaseous as on the earth's surface, and forms droplets. In addition, a lot of sulphur is formed, which is liquid at temperatures of over 100°C and forms waxy structures when it cools down. The white smoke is also caused by tiny sulphur particles. The sulphur is formed when the volcanic gas SO2 cools in the water and breaks down into sulphur and sulphuric acid. The sulphuric acid produces pH values of less than 1, which is comparable to battery acid. Such sources are among the most hostile environments on our planet.
