Hydrothermal vents in the deep sea

In many areas of high volcanic activity, water seeps into the sub-surface where it is intensely heated and then finds its way to the surface again. Examples on the land include hot springs in therapeutic spas, and special types like geysers and fumaroles. In the ocean, this circulation occurs most commonly at the mid-ocean ridge, the world’s longest mountain chain. Here, far below the depth of sunlight penetration, hydrothermal vents at over 400°C with their dissolved compounds provide the basis for comple