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Physicochemical and acoustic conditions of habitats surrounding Kueishan Island, Yilan, Taiwan

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Feb 06, 2024 version files 206.46 KB

Abstract

In the past, research on hydrothermal vents has primarily focused on deep sea, but shallow-water ones have gained increasing attention in recent years. Shallow-water hydrothermal systems experience greater fluctuation due to various epipelagic factors such as insolation, tides, currents, and seasonality. While existing studies have explored geochemical and biological features of hydrothermal vents mostly through snapshot investigations, little is known about their spatio-temporal effects on the surrounding environments. In the present study, we monitored the physicochemical and audio conditions around Kueishan Island, Taiwan. Within a vertical distance of less than 4 km, Kueishan Island possesses both hydrothermal vents and coral ecosystems, making it an ideal platform to address these issues. Our results reveal that the impacts of hydrothermal vents on the ecological habitats surrounding Kueishan Island were not constant, which is attributed to the intermittent discharge of vent fluids. Additionally, we observed a potential connection between hydrothermal venting and earthquake activities, hinting at possible geophysical implications. Overall, our research provides insights into exploring these fascinating environments with a greater mastery of them. Prospectively, long-term, and continuous monitoring could broader our knowledge of hydrothermal vents, including interkingdom evolutionary processes, economic opportunities, and developing strategies for safeguarding these precious natural resources for future generations.