This is Bikpela. 🌊 Bikpela is a 2.7-metre hydrothermal spire from the seafloor of the Manus Basin off Papua New Guinea. In April 2000, our researchers retrieved it from the basin's extraordinary seafloor while on a voyage on RV Franklin sampling microbial life. Our scientists uncovered the layered secrets of this extraordinary find, showcasing the interplay of tectonic activity, biology, and geology in hydrothermal systems. Since its recovery, it has been displayed at our Kensington office in Perth. But now, for the first time, it is on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum as part of their new exhibition Ultimate Depth: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea. Learn more about this incredible find and its journey: https://lnkd.in/gCXxzUnV
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Student at University of Wollongong | Applied Mechatronics & Biomedical Engineering Research (AMBER) Group
20hFascinating discovery! The Bikpela hydrothermal spire is not only a window into the Earth's dynamic processes but also a treasure trove for understanding life in extreme environments. Its presence highlights tectonic activity in the Manus Basin, potentially hinting at fissures in the crust, magma chambers beneath the seafloor, or even hidden underwater volcanoes. Such systems are a testament to the interconnectedness of geology, chemistry, and biology. Thanks for sharing this incredible insight, exciting times for deep-sea exploration!