deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are underwater geysers found on the ocean floor, where seawater seeps into Earth's crust, heats up due to underlying magma, and then erupts back into the ocean. This process creates mineral-rich, superheated water that supports unique ecosystems. Despite extreme conditions like high pressure and temperature, life thrives around these vents, including bacteria and specialized animals, relying on chemicals rather than sunlight for energy. These ecosystems provide important insights into life's adaptability and the potential for life in other extreme environments.