Near the island of Milos, unknown hydrothermal fields were found: evidence of an active volcano

The joint work of Greek and German researchers led to an impressive discovery: off the coast Milos previously unknown were discovered underwater hydrothermal fields. These structures are located at depths of up to 230 meters, which is significantly deeper than all known points of activity in the area.

According to the leader of the study, Professor Paraskevi Nomiku from the University of Athens, the discovery confirms that The Milos volcanic system remains “alive” and much more extensive than previously thought.

“This activity shapes unique ecosystems, influences marine chemistry and gives us new data on geothermal energy and georisk assessment.”she notes.

Scientists have linked the direction of hydrothermal emissions with local faultswhich control the location and intensity of activity both on land and underwater. This makes Milos a natural laboratory within Greek volcanic arc.

Using high-precision bathymetry, chemical measurements and video recording from a remotely operated vehicle ROV MARUM-SQUID Researchers have identified an extensive system of hydrothermal emissions at depths of 30–230 meters in the southern and northwestern part of the shelf.

Three main zones of activity were mapped: Agia Kyriaki, Paleochori–Sulfur mines And Vani. All of them are located along active tectonic faults, which caused the shelf to flex and created channels for the rise of hot fluids.

Hydrothermal emissions exhibit a characteristic double zonation at depths of 130 and 180 meters, and at Paleochori there is a third peak zone at 210 m. In shallow waters, fields are covered with white microbial mats, while deep areas contain black smokersemitting carbon dioxide and liquids with temperatures above 180°C.

The reasons for this vertical structure are still being studied, but the study now presents the most detailed map submarine hydrothermal activity off Milos, revealing new insights into the volcanism and tectonics of the region.

The work was carried out with the participation of scientists from the University of Athens, the universities of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Oldenburg, Bremen, Constructor University and the research center MARUM.

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