Earthquakes may be helping planktons grow 

Planktons are vital organisms that form the basis of aquatic ecosystems. Crustaceans, small fish, sharks and even some species of birds feed on plankton – but what do planktons eat? Planktons consume iron and other nutrients that are included in the waters released from the openings in the seabed called hydrothermal vents. In studies conducted in the Southern Ocean, researchers have shown that hydrothermal activities can induce the formation of blooms – the change in water colour caused by the rapid and massive growth of planktons. 

This was a fairly recent discovery, but researchers continued to question how waters released from vents two kilometres deep in the ocean can feed the planktons that resided in the ocean’s surface for photosynthesis. 

In the most recent study, the research team at Middlebury College led by Casey Schine, an earth and climatology scientist, discovered that deep-sea seismic activities may be supporting the transport of nutrients that feed planktons. Earthquakes cause hydrothermal vents to burp out large quantities of mineral rich water.  

The research team used earthquake records, satellite images, and deep-sea chemical data to examine the relationship between seismic activity and plankton growth. To collect water samples, the team deployed a machine into the northern Ross Sea. The analysis showed that earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater frequently preceded the plankton’s growing season in the Southern Ocean. “Our study ultimately showed that the main factor controlling the size of this annual phytoplankton bloom was the amount of seismic activity in the preceding few months.” Schine told the press at Stanford University School of Sustainability.  

Blooms are important factors that contribute to the global climate, as they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The study, therefore, can potentially help scientists to revise models that predict the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Furthermore, planktons are important food sources of various marine animals, so examining deep-sea seismic activity will help scientists monitor food availability, thus contributing to improved marine conservation.  

Hydrothermal activity is observed globally, including in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Further research is required to understand how earthquakes affect hydrothermal activity in other areas of the world. For example, the “Ring of Fire” which surrounds the Pacific Ocean accounts for more than 90% of the seismic activities and 75% of active and dormant volcanic activities around the world. 

Studying how seismic activity affects plankton growth in these regions would greatly contribute to reducing global carbon dioxide levels. The ocean may have greater potential to mitigate the effects of climate change than we might think. 

Written by Kazuma Oura, January 26, 2026.

Edited by Marina Milsum.