Hydrothermal Vent Systems

Hydrothermal vent systems are underwater geysers found on the ocean floor, typically near volcanic activity. They emerge when seawater seeps into Earth's crust, heats up from magma, and then rises back through cracks, carrying minerals with it. These vents create unique habitats home to specialized organisms that thrive in extreme conditions—high pressure, high temperatures, and toxic chemicals. Hydrothermal vents are important for understanding Earth’s geology, ocean chemistry, and the origins of life, as they support diverse ecosystems independent of sunlight.