The potential for photosynthesis in hydrothermal vents: a new avenue for life in the Universe?

TL;DR

This study assesses the potential for photosynthesis in deep ocean hydrothermal vents using geothermal infrared radiation, suggesting some organisms could perform photosynthesis and possibly exist on other planetary bodies like Europa.

Contribution

It introduces a quantitative analysis of geothermal infrared radiation as a light source for photosynthesis in deep-sea vents, expanding possibilities for extraterrestrial life.

Findings

Photosynthesis potential is low for most known species in vents.

High-efficiency species could perform photosynthesis using infrared light up to 1300nm.

Potential for similar life forms on Europa and other planetary bodies.

Abstract

We perform a quantitative assessment for the potential for photosynthesis in hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean. The photosynthetically active radiation in this case is from geothermal origin: the infrared thermal radiation emitted by hot water, at temperatures ranging from 473 up to 673 K. We find that at these temperatures the photosynthetic potential is rather low in these ecosystems for most known species. However, species which a very high efficiency in the use of light and which could use infrared photons till 1300nm, could achieve good rates of photosynthesis in hydrothermal vents. These organisms might also thrive in deep hydrothermal vents in other planetary bodies, such as one of the more astrobiologically promising Jupiter satellites: Europa.