Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are found
in geologically active areas of the ocean floor. These vents are formed when the ocean water
gets into the Earth’s crust, and magma heats the water. When the water is boiling it goes back up to
the surface all the while dissolving minerals and other types of rock. At the ocean floor again, the water is now
extremely dark. Eventually, the rim of
the vent will begin to look like a chimney.
The water that is expelled from these deep-sea hydrothermal vents is
greater than 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
Organisms that live near the vents obtain their food from the vents
through chemosynthesis. Riftia, or giant
tubeworms, are abundant in this environment.
These giant tubeworms are food for small shrimps and crabs. Clams also live here.
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