Pinoy-led team of scientists discovers underwater 'Soda Springs' with record-high carbon dioxide levels in Batangas

A Pinoy-led team of scientists discovered bubbling underwater springs that give off high amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels at Secret Bay in Anilao, Batangas.

The recorded CO2 levels from the springs were twice as high compared to those from the highest reported submarine springs in the world, according to the team's scientific paper.

Noting the soda-like environment where the springs were found, the study's team leader Bayani Cardenas decided to aptly call this new sight as the "Soda Springs."

"The most dramatic levels were found in an area with relatively deep bubble vents. This area, hereafter named Soda Springs, is at a water depth of 55 m and is within Secret Bay," the team wrote.

Cardenas, who worked on the study for three years along with several co-authors from various Philippine institutions, confirmed that the CO2 levels measured in the "Soda Springs" were the highest for submarine springs.

"It doesn’t mean that higher values do not exist. We used one of the few instruments that can measure CO2 right at the spring itself, and one that can measure very high values. If we probably move that sensor around, we would find even higher values," he told GMA News Online.

Cardenas said this new discovery can help scientists in understanding the effects of increasing atmospheric CO2 levels on coral reefs and how pollution in groundwater can be brought to the reefs.

So, what's the water like in these springs?

Since the springs are located within the area of the active Taal Volcano, the water samples collected from these areas had temperatures as high as 60C.

"The waters are acidic (low pH) compared to seawater but in many ways it also looks like seawater chemically. It is also hot, 50-60C," explained Cardenas.

As seen in a video from the University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences, lines of small bubbles rose out from hydrothermal vents that were two hundred feet deep from the surface of the bay.

For Cardenas and his team, the discovery was a 'eureka' moment' for all of them.

"As a scientist, we always pursue new knowledge. This also means going to places where knowledge regarding that area is lacking," the University of Texas at Austin professor said. "It is part of the joys of doing science and exploration."

The team also discovered another dive site that also has underwater gas vents. This area was named "Bubbles Point."

Other authors of the study included researchers from Utrecht University, University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, Agricultural Sustainability Initiatives for Nature, Inc., Planet Dive Resort, Scuba Academy Manila, University of the Philippines Diliman, and Ateneo de Manila University. —MGP, GMA News