Black Smokers
Ocean's Hidden Wonders: Mapping the Mysteries Below
Description: Hydrothermal vents that spew dark clouds of mineral-rich water. Located in various ocean depths, they play a crucial role in regulating ocean chemistry and supporting specialized ecosystems. A testament to Earth's inner heat, they form along mid-ocean ridges and in volcanic regions. Some can reach temperatures exceeding 400°C. Crucial for studies about the origins of life.