Ridge-facilitated hydrothermal systems

Ridge-facilitated hydrothermal systems occur at mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates pull apart. As seawater seeps down through cracks in the ocean floor, it gets heated by underlying magma. This superheated water then rises back up, carrying dissolved minerals and nutrients. At the surface, it creates hydrothermal vents, often supporting unique ecosystems. These systems play a crucial role in ocean chemistry and can influence global climate. They are important for understanding life's origins and the Earth's geological processes.