OPPapers.com Essay Index >> Science >> Hydrothermal Vents
We have many free term papers and essays on Hydrothermal Vents. We also have a wide variety of research papers and book reports available to you for free. You can browse our collection of term papers or use our search engine.
Hydrothermal Vents Hydrothermal Vents In 1977, Robert Ballard and J.F. Grassle of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Instution, were diving in Alvin near the Galapagos
hydrothermal vents In the late 1970's, scientists on a regular study of the ocean floor in the Pacific Ocean made a discovery that would stun the entire scientific
because there is no sunlight available in order for photosynthesis to take place. How hydrothermal vents work In 1977, in the Galapagos Islands, the first hydrothermal
can be sustained by unusual energy sources. The animals that have been discovered in hydrothermal vents are fascinating as well as extremely important. The structure
and can eat prey that are larger than themselves, these fish are aptly named the "gulpers". Hydrothermal vents (also known as black smokers) occur where the Earth's
Submitted by livinglikethis on February 22, 2007
Category: Science
Words: 994 | Pages: 4
Views: 180
Popularity Rank: 78,103
Average Member Grade: N/A (Add a Comment / Grade this Paper)
In the late 1970's, scientists on a regular study of the ocean floor in the Pacific Ocean made a discovery that would stun the entire scientific community. On the East Pacific Rise not far from the Galapagos Islands, nearly 8000 feet below the surface, was a strange landscape covered with what looked like underwater chimneys secreting clouds of black smoke. Surrounding these chimneys was a unique type of ecosystem that had never been seen before.
Until this day, science had always assumed that all life on Earth obtained its energy from the Sun. Plants convert sunlight into energy through a process called photosynthesis. The plants, in turn, provide food and oxygen for countless species of animals in a complex web of life. But here was a sight that challenged those assumptions for the scientific community.
Scientists had discovered deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These vents occur in geologically active regions of the ocean floor. Within these regions, seawater seeps down deep into the Earth's crust through cracks and fissures in the ocean floor. This water is then heated by magma below the surface. As the water is heated to a boil, it expands and rises back to the surface. On its way back up, the hot water dissolves minerals and other chemicals from the rock. When it reaches the ocean floor, the water is a dark chemical mixture full of nutrients. Some of the minerals precipitate out of the seawater and harden on the rim of the vent. Over time, the rim of the vent is built up into a tall, chimney-like structure.
The dark color of the water coming from these vents has earned them the name "black smokers". The temperature of the water coming out of these vents usually exceeds 360 degrees. Another shock to scientists was the discovery that a countless number of life forms actually live and thrive around these vents, totally cut off from sunlight. Incredible deep-sea creatures and lengendary sea monsters have been known of for quite some time. But...
You must Login to view the entire paper.
If you are not a member yet, Sign Up for free!