Scientists first discovered hydrothermal vents in 1977 while exploring an oceanic ridge near the Galapagos Islands. These vents
occur in geologically active regions of the ocean floor. Within these regions,
seawater seeps down deep into the Earth's crust through cracks in
the ocean floor. This water is then heated by magma below the surface. As the
water is heated to a boil, it expands and rises back to the surface. On it's
way back up through the cracks through which it fell, the hot
water dissolves minerals and other chemicals from the rock. When it reaches the
ocean floor, the water is dark. Some of the minerals
precipitate out of the seawater and harden on the rim of the vent. Over time,
the rim of the vent is built up into a tall, chimney-like structure.
The temperature of the water coming out of these
vents exceeds 360ยบ.
The discovery that forms of life actually live and thrive around these vents, totally cut off from the
world of sunlight. These biological communities depend upon chemical processes that result from the interaction of seawater and hot magma associated with underwater volcanoes.
The organisms that habituated in these areas were getting
their food directly from the vents themselves. This process is known as
chemosynthesis. Smaller animals feed on the bacteria, and
these smaller animals provide food for the larger animals. It is an entire
ecosystem totally separate from the world of light. A large number of strange
and wondrous creatures have been found at these vent sites. Giant tube worms
eight feet tall dominate the landscape. Tiny bacteria living inside make food
for the worms. Small shrimps and crabs feed on the tube worms. Clams cover the
ocean floor. These waters are so fertile that shrimps have been known to
literally number in the millions near these vents.
Large Crab and Clams near a deep sea Hydrothermal Vent
Giant Tubeworms
Hermit crab anemone
More Information on Deep Seas Hydrothermal Vents
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