Exploratory project · 2026–2027
VENT.Pt
Advancing Knowledge of Portuguese Hydrothermal VENT Fields through Geo-Bio Databases and Exploratory Predictive Approaches
Exploratory project · 2026–2027
Advancing Knowledge of Portuguese Hydrothermal VENT Fields through Geo-Bio Databases and Exploratory Predictive Approaches
VENT.Pt is an exploratory research project funded by Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa (CIÊNCIAS) and FCiências.ID. It consolidates existing knowledge, generates new data and tests multidisciplinary approaches for the study of Portuguese deep-sea hydrothermal systems, integrating geology, geochemistry, biosignatures and machine learning.
Within the Portuguese maritime area, seven hydrothermal systems have been observed and sampled below 500 m water depth. Together they form a natural laboratory for comparing contrasting geotectonic settings, venting styles, heat sources, mineralization processes and biodiversity. The project builds on FCUL’s collection of more than 360 geological samples collected between approximately 500 and 3500 m.
Deep-sea hydrothermal systems are key to understanding geotectonic processes and geochemical cycles, host strategic mineral resources, and represent reservoirs of extreme life and high-potential bioactive compounds. This work is framed by the Portuguese continental shelf extension, covering about 2.4 million km².
The seven known fields on the Portuguese seafloor — Moytirra, Luso, Menez Gwen, Lucky Strike, Menez Hom, Saldanha and Rainbow — span basalt-hosted and ultramafic-hosted settings, high-temperature black-smoker venting and low-temperature diffuse discharge. See the Hydrothermal Fields page for field descriptions and imagery.
MSc projects linked to the VENT.Pt research programme:
If you want to be part of the team, contact me.
VENT.Pt is a seed exploratory project: integrating dispersed datasets, strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration and testing new analytical and computational approaches as a foundation for larger national and international programmes. In this context, DEEP.PT, Advancing the Understanding of Submarine Hydrothermal Processes by a Multidisciplinary Study of Portuguese Deep-Sea Fields, has been submitted to FCT.
DEEP.PT collaborating institutions