Oceanic Vents
Also known as hydrothermal vents. Hydrothermal vents are commonly found near volcanically active areas where tectonic plates are moving apart, ocean basins, and hotspots.
Hydrothermal vents exist because the earth is both geologically active and has large amounts of water on its surface and within its crust.
Common land types include hot springs and geysers. Under the sea, hydrothermal vents may form features called black smokers.
Relative to the majority of the deep sea, the areas around the hydrothermal vents are biologically more productive, often hosting complex communities fueled by the chemicals dissolved in the vent fluids, supporting diverse organisms, including giant tube worms, clams and shrimp.
Hydrothermal vents exist because the earth is both geologically active and has large amounts of water on its surface and within its crust.
Common land types include hot springs and geysers. Under the sea, hydrothermal vents may form features called black smokers.
Relative to the majority of the deep sea, the areas around the hydrothermal vents are biologically more productive, often hosting complex communities fueled by the chemicals dissolved in the vent fluids, supporting diverse organisms, including giant tube worms, clams and shrimp.