Overview:
Researchers have identified a newly discovered hydrothermal field off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Named Karambusel, the site breaks traditional underwater patterns by merging hydrothermal vents and methane seeps in the same location—a combination nearly unheard of. This rare environment supports unusual organisms, produces precious minerals, and may hold species previously unknown to science.
Sea Land
A scientific team has uncovered a striking deep-sea environment near Papua New Guinea—one that includes an underwater volcano and a hydrothermal system unlike any seen before.
Named Karambusel, this newly identified hydrothermal field hosts an ecological coexistence previously undocumented in ocean science.
A Break in Underwater Patterns
Typically, hydrothermal vents form where geothermally heated fluids escape through cracks in the seafloor. Methane seeps, by contrast, are areas where methane gas leaks through sediment layers. These two systems rarely overlap.
At Karambusel, however, scientists found something extraordinary:
Hot hydrothermal fluids and methane-rich gases escaping from the same location.
This discovery challenges long-held understandings of deep-sea geology.
How Did This Happen?
The unique formation appears to be the result of rising magma heating organic-rich seafloor sediments. This interaction produces methane, carbon dioxide, and other hydrothermal fluids—creating a rare combined environment beneath the ocean’s surface.
Melting Pot of Organisms
Karambusel’s conditions support an unusually diverse community of organisms. Among the species observed living on nearby rocks were:
- Amphipods
- Tube worms
- Bright purple sea cucumbers
Dr. Phillipp Brandl, marine geologist at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, led the 2023 RV SONNE expedition that surveyed the Tabar-Lihir-Tanga-Feni island chain.
Regarding the discovery, Brandl stated:
“We are confident that some of the species there have not yet been described. However, a dedicated expedition would be needed to fully study this unique habitat.” — Science Daily
Precious Minerals and What They Tell Us
Karambusel also contains notable mineral deposits, including:
- Gold
- Silver
- Antimony
- Mercury
Researchers note that the mineral makeup suggests past high-temperature hydrothermal activity, even though current temperatures are cooler. This could help scientists better understand how metal-rich deposits form on the ocean floor.
Now What?
With its unusual biological, geological, and chemical conditions, Karambusel has generated global scientific interest. Researchers are pushing for further exploration, though they emphasize the need for protections against mining operations, which risk damaging the fragile ecosystem.
The newly discovered hydrothermal field represents a rare opportunity to study an environment where hot vents meet cold seeps—opening the door to discovering both new species and new geological processes.
Sources
- NOAA: Hydrothermal Vents
- USGS: Methane Seeps
- Science Daily Release (Nov 2025)
- Impactful Ninja: Deep-Sea Discovery
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