Vents

Deep in the ocean, hydrothermal vents can tower up to 200 feet above the seafloor, belching out scalding water warmed by hot magma from underwater volcanoes. A recent expedition to locate more of these vents yielded a new find: a group of “black smoker” vents emitting water of 645 degrees Fahrenheit along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near Puerto Rico. PMEL Earth Ocean Interations Program's research cruise is highlighted.