What is a hydrothermal vent? What process is involved in their making? Who is responsible for discovering these vents
· Hydrothermal vents are hot springs that are found on ocean ridges. The water that is released at these sites is super heated and enriched with metals. The acidity of the water is often higher than normal sea water.
· These vents are created by the process of convection. It is thought that water seeps into cracks and fissures of rocks where the seafloor is spreading. The super heated and chemically active water then dissolves minerals and gases which escape through these vents. Sometimes the minerals in these vents can turn the water different colors as it is being released. An example of this would be black smoker hydrothermal vents.
· These vents are not limited to the ocean. They can be found in lakes and even on land. Iceland has many of these hydrothermal vents because the mid-ocean ridge has risen above ground. These vents are named fumaroles. The water immediately phase changes once released and becomes steam.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following pairs of events appear to be linked?
A. increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and low pH in the ocean B. increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and increased temperature of Earth C. melting glaciers and increased sea level D. All of these statements show logical linkage.
The intertidal zone represents one of the most stressful environments in terms of changing environmental conditions. Explain this comment using specific examples of stresses and how organisms are able to survive in the intertidal zone
Which of the following was not a strategy of the Soviet Union in Central Asia?
A) nurture local nationalisms B) replace local leaders with Communist Party officials C) define a series of union republics based on ethnicity D) creation of complex borders for new republics
Which is not one of Pattison's Traditions?