Hydrothermal vents are cracks in the ocean floor that send out jets of hot water. Instead of sunlight many underwater creatures get their energy from these vents. Along with the water minerals and bacteria are carried into the ocean water. The sizes can range from one inch to six feet. Several dozen vents have been discovered. My student teacher is apart of a program called an Alvin. An Alvin is a three person submarine that goes under water and searches for hydrothermal vents and experiments to find out more about them. During the French's Project FAMOUS in 1997 they noticed the first sighting of vents and unknown creatures using Alvin. Since 1977, other hot springs and creatures have been found at many sites along the East Pacific Rise.
I got my information from: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/exploring.html
Meme Creator
12 years ago
