Tag: Hydrothermal vents

The deep sea, representing over 90% of the planet's oceans, lacks sunlight, meaning the foundation for what is the deep sea nutrition differs dramatically from surface ecosystems. Here, food webs rely not on photosynthesis, but on a fascinating blend of falling organic matter, unique chemical processes, and specialized scavenging.

Over 850 volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits exceeding 200,000 tonnes are known worldwide, with formations spanning over 3.4 billion years of Earth's history. These extraordinary mineral accumulations are formed through a remarkable process involving seafloor volcanic activity and hydrothermal circulation.

Over 99% of all known living organisms on Earth rely on the sun for their energy, but a unique and ancient group of microbes operates completely independent of sunlight. A chemoautotroph is an organism that produces its own organic food using energy derived from the oxidation of inorganic chemicals.