Hydrothermal Vents

Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic

Nov 3, 1998

What happens when 3 boys from 3 different states join together for a special project? They create an exceptional website as part of the ThinkQuest contest. The contest is for kids between the ages of 12 and 19. These boys have never met in person but together they have created a site about a little known science subject. A subject I found fascinating and I hope you will too.

Karl, one of the boys had read an article on hydrothermal vents and decided to combine his interest in the subject with his html skills. Using the team database at ThinkQuest, he formed a team with Jon and Kyle. Together they created the site, "Ocean AdVENTures". A site that is not only informative but graphically pleasing.

The finalists have been selected since I was first contacted. Unfortunately Ocean AdVENTures didn't make it. Jon said, "The recognition from their peers and the public is far greater then any material award they could receive". For those of you who would like to learn more about ThinkQuest and how you can enter, be sure to visit the site. There is also a junior contest for elementary grades. The winners receive a 25,0000 prize. What a great way to get a financial start for college and have fun in the process.

So what are Hydrothermal Vents? Vents are underwater geysers similar to the ones in Yellowstone Park. When the tetonic plates beneath the ocean's surface move apart, it produces cracks. The cold seawater goes into these crevices that have opened and becomes heated. Rising back up into the colder waters, the sulfide minerals form crystals onto the surrounding rock. As it grows it forms a hollow, chimney structure. Hot water continues to flow through the vents. The mineral rich water flowing through the vents , appears black in color. This is why they have been given the alternative name, Black Smokers. Scientists have found one vent that is as tall as a fifteen story building, aptly named Godzilla.

Temperatures near the vents can reach 400 C. This is well above the boiling point but the oceans pressure prevents the water from boiling. The pressure at this depth in the ocean would crush a man. To see and explore the vent environment scientists use submersibles like the Alvin and Atlantis, to reach these depths. Undersea robots known as remote operating vehicles (ROV'S) travel the sea floor. Their job is to gather samples and takes pictures of the area around the vents.

Go To Page: 1 2 3