World's Most Acidic Hydrothermal System off NE Taiwan

Chen-Tung Arthur Chen1,2, Bin-Jye Crystal Wang1 and Hsiu-I Annie Huang1, (1)National Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Oceanography, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, (2)Zhejiang University, Ocean College, Zhoushan, China
Abstract:
The submarine hydrothermal system off Kueishantao is one of the most unique in the world as it has the lowest pH ever reported (pH as low as 1.52). Further, it is one of the shallowest at a water depth as little as 10 m, and is clearly tide influenced. Boiling fluids abound with microorganisms come out in various manners including discharge from chimneys composed of almost pure sulfur. Pure sulfur balls have also been found. Of note is that the system is one of the most accessible in the world. Three hours after the plane touches down the research team can be on site.

Yet, little is known about:

  1. What are the sources of the hydrothermal fluids and what is the extent of the hydrothermal field?
  2. How were sulfur balls formed?
  3. What is the temporal variability of the hydrothermal activity?
  4. What is the effect of the natural iron fertilization?
  5. What is the effect of the natural acidification?
  6. To what extent do the above effects affect the oceanic environment?
  7. How do the unique biota, including high temperature microbes, adapt to the extreme environment?
Back to: Chemical and Biological Impacts of Ocean Acidification in the Pacific Ocean I