Whose observations helped discover deep-sea hydrothermal vents?
Quick Answer
Jack Corliss and his colleagues were part of the 1977 expedition that first observed hydrothermal vents on the Galápagos Rift. The discovery transformed understanding of deep-sea geology and life.
The Full Story
In 1977, a team including geologist Jack Corliss used the submersible Alvin to explore the Galápagos Rift and found hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. These vents released superheated, mineral-rich water from cracks in the ocean crust. The discovery showed that the deep ocean could host ecosystems powered by chemical energy rather than sunlight. It also helped scientists understand how heat and fluids move through newly formed oceanic crust.
Key Facts
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