Lab 4: Hydrothermal Vents

Hydrothermal vents are most common at spreading plate boundaries and underwater volcanic sites. The heated substances released are kept from boiling because of the intense pressure in such deep ocean. The vents release hot particles and minerals from beneath the earth, which makes them centers of ecosystems where inhabitants can live in extreme temperatures and devoid of sunlight. There are over 300 types of organisms that can live in these conditions, some of the most common being tubeworms, mussels, fish, crabs, shrimp, clams, anemones, and various types of bacteria. Bacteria convert sulfur from the vents into energy, which takes the place of photosynthesis because no plants can survive in this dark environment.

Office of Naval Research

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration