Ocean AdVENTure
Research Tools
Why are Vents Important?
Vents are thought
to regulate the temperature and chemical composition of the oceans and provide an outlet for the
earth's inner heat.
Archaea, a new
domain of life, as well as many new species have been discovered in vent communities.
Vent research
helps us understand the past and deal with the future by providing:
- clues to the origin of life on Earth and
elsewhere in our solar system
- possible mineral sources
- a promise of medical and industrial
breakthroughs
- a dialog on the ethics of vent exploration,
exploitation, and protection
Interesting Facts
- Vent water can reach 403° Celsius
(757° F).
- Vent creatures thrive on hydrogen sulfide,
usually a deadly poison.
- Vent oil similar to petroleum appears to
form in thousands rather than millions of years.
- Not all vents and vent communities are
alike.
Permission to Descend!
We've received permission to descend! Let's go on to the
next section to see what awaits us.
Go on to Research Tools! -->
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