Deep Sea Hydrothermal Vents

          Deep Sea Hydrothermal Vents were discovered in 1977 in the Galapagos Rift. What amazed scientists was the unique eco system that was thriving in oceans despite those areas being the deepest, coldest, and darkest areas of these waters. They wondered what enabled the harsh environment to sustain vibrant life forms and healthy living circumstances for organisms; they discovered that the answer was deep see hydrothermal vents, where the seawater is heated by underneath the earth’s crust, the mineral water rises and solidifies because of the freezing water. These vents are like geysers—through chemosynthesis, these vents give energy and minerals to life forms that would otherwise not survive in the deep oceans.

          Life forms that thrive around these vents include: ghostly fish, tube worms, shrimp that have eyes on their backs, clams, and crabs.

 Hyperlink: http://www.seasky.org/deep-sea/hydrothermal-vents.html