How do deep-sea hydrothermal vents support life without sunlight?
Quick Answer
They run on chemosynthesis: microbes use chemicals like hydrogen sulfide instead of sunlight to make food. Those microbes form the base of entire vent ecosystems.
The Full Story
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are fueled by hot, mineral-rich water that escapes from the seafloor, often at temperatures that can exceed 300°C. Around vents, bacteria and archaea use chemosynthesis, turning chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide into energy-rich compounds. This microbial production supports animals like tube worms, clams, and vent shrimp, even in total darkness. The first major vent ecosystem was discovered in 1977 near the Galápagos Rift, and it changed scientists’ understanding of where life can survive. These communities are some of the best examples of life powered by chemistry rather than sunlight.
Key Facts
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