Ocean AdVENTure! - Dive Briefing

Ocean AdVENTure
Dive Briefing

What does a Vent Look Like?

This image shows a hydrothermal vent with steam coming out of it.

What are Hydrothermal Vents?

Vents are geysers on the ocean floor that spew hot, mineral-rich water to nurture dense, bizarre biocommunities. Vents may be 3.5 - 4 billion years old, but were discovered by scientists less than 25 years ago.

Where are Vents Located?

Vents exist in all the world's oceans. Most are found at an average depth of 2225 meters (7,300 feet) in areas of seafloor spreading and near active volcanoes along the Mid-Ocean Ridge.

How are Vents Formed?

Seawater seeps into cracks in the earth's crust, becomes superheated by magma, picks up and loses minerals on its way, then rises and bursts out into the ocean again through holes in the seafloor.

Why are vents important? -->
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