Black smoker vent. Artwork of a hydrothermal vent on the ocean floor. Commonly known as a "black smokers",hydrothermal vents typically pour out a sulphurous mineral-rich fluid which can be at a temperature of hundreds of degrees celsius. Some of these dissolved minerals precipitate to form a mound or chimney around the vent. The vents are linked to volcanic activity and the movement of rock plates in the Earth's crust. The vents' fluid was heated by geothermal energy in the crust. Deep sea vents provide a habitat for some forms of bacteria which feed on sulphur compounds in the fluid. These bacteria provide food for worms,molluscs,crustaceans and fish | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Hardy, David A. |
Taille de l’image : | 2480 px × 4024 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |