Whose observations first showed that hydrothermal vents can host thriving life without sunlight?
Quick Answer
Jack Corliss was one of the key scientists on the 1977 Galápagos Rift expedition that discovered hydrothermal vents and their unique ecosystems. The finding changed biology because life was shown to thrive on chemical energy.
The Full Story
Jack Corliss played a central role in the 1977 expedition that discovered deep-sea hydrothermal vents near the Galápagos Rift. Scientists found hot, mineral-rich water pouring from the seafloor and dense communities of tube worms, clams, and microbes around them. These ecosystems do not depend on sunlight; instead, they rely on chemosynthesis powered by chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide. The discovery transformed oceanography and expanded ideas about where life can exist on Earth and possibly beyond.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"Life at the bottom of the ocean—powered by chemicals, not the Sun"
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