Skip to content

Hydrothermal Vents

In 1979, scientists in Alvin dove to the Mid-Ocean Ridge in the eastern Pacific. A spectacular sight greeted them. Clouds of what looked like black smoke were billowing from tall chimneys on the ocean floor.

Explore vent basics, vents around the world, vent chemistry, boiling points, videos, and test what you've learned with a quiz!

Explore our Hydrothermal Vent Interactives

DEEPER DISCOVERY

Vent Basics

vent chemistry

DEEPER DISCOVERY

Vent Chemistry

boiling points

DEEPER DISCOVERY

Boiling Point

DEEPER DISCOVERY

Vents Around the World

hydrothermal vent life

DEEPER DISCOVERY

Hydrothermal Vent Life

tubeworm anatomy

DEEPER DISCOVERY

Tubeworm Anatomy

chemosynthesis

DEEPER DISCOVERY

Chemosynthesis

Scientists Explain Hydrothermal Vents

Dr. Susan Humphris explains what hydrothermal vents are and why they're important.

Dr. Timothy Shank talks about the expedition to the original discovery site of hydrothermal vents and what they found, or didn't find.

Dr. Rob Reves-Sohn explains what the TAG mound is and what makes it unique in the world of hydrothermal vent fields.

What have you learned?

Take our quizzes and find out