Hydrothermal Vents
illustration showing eruptions and plume generation
Cross-section of a mid-ocean ridge.
cartoon of ship sampling plume with CTD tows
A ship searching for hydrothermal vents.
Where submarine volcanoes bring magma near the seafloor or erupt lava, seafloor hot springs called hydrothermal vents are common. The hot spring water can be up to 350 degrees Celsius (660 degrees Fahrenheit) and is rich in dissolved chemicals. Hot spring water rises and forms a plume above the vent, somewhat like smoke rising from the chimney of a house into the air. These plumes can be detected by oceanographic instruments in order to help find hydrothermal vents on the bottom.
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