What is a cold seep?
Quick Answer
A cold seep is an area of the seafloor where hydrocarbon-rich fluids, usually methane or hydrogen sulfide, slowly escape at low temperatures.
The Full Story
Cold seeps differ from hydrothermal vents because they are not heated by magma and instead release fluids at or near ambient seafloor temperature. They are often found along continental margins where sediments trap methane and other compounds. These seeps can form strange habitats with clams, mussels, tube worms, and microbial mats that feed on chemical energy. Cold seeps also matter to climate science because methane stored beneath the seafloor can influence the ocean and atmosphere if released.
Key Facts
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