New Hydrothermal Chimney Grows at Hafa Adai Vent Field
Researchers documented the regrowth during a 2025 expedition that mapped thousands of square kilometres of seafloor.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Geology
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During the NA171 expedition, which concluded on May 28, 2025, researchers observed a new hydrothermal chimney emerging at the site of a previously collapsed structure in the Hafa Adai vent field. This discovery follows 115 hours of underwater exploration and the mapping of 20,504 square kilometres of seafloor near the Mariana Islands.
Why it matters
Understanding the lifecycle of hydrothermal chimneys provides critical insight into the geological processes of tectonic plate convergence and the formation of seafloor mineral deposits. Monitoring these active systems helps characterize how seawater circulation and magmatic heat interact to shape ocean chemistry.
The Hafa Adai vent field features fluid temperatures reaching 350 degrees Celsius and structures standing up to 35 metres tall. These figures represent the active state of the site measured during the 2025 expedition.
The players
NA171
A research expedition focused on Mariana Arc Volcanic Exploration that conducted nine remotely operated vehicle dives.
The details
Hydrothermal vents form when cold seawater seeps into cracks in the ocean crust, where it is heated by underlying magma and rocks. As these superheated, mineral-rich fluids rise back toward the cold ocean floor, the dissolved minerals precipitate out of the solution to form towering chimneys. This process is driven by the movement of tectonic plates, which facilitates the rise of molten rock to the surface.
Timeline
2016: The Hafa Adai vent field is documented for the first time.
May 7 to May 28, 2025: The NA171 research expedition maps 20,504 square kilometres of seafloor.
The Tech Race
This discovery contributes to the ongoing cataloging of the Mariana Arc, an area prioritized for its intense volcanic and hydrothermal activity. The data collected extends the foundation laid by previous deep-sea exploration campaigns in the Pacific Ocean.
This research provides foundational geological data rather than consumer-facing technology. The findings will be used by the scientific community to improve models of seafloor evolution and mineral distribution near the Mariana Islands.
The takeaway
The growth of a new chimney at a collapsed site underscores the rapid cycle of these geological structures in high-heat zones. Observers should track future publications from the NA171 expedition for chemical analyses of the 84 samples collected.
Further reading
For more research on deep-sea formations and tectonic processes, visit Geology.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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