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The Importance of Hydrothermal Vents

Completely changed our view of life.

Chemosynthesis.

“Extreme’ life forms.

New ideas on the origin of life on Earth.

New ideas on life elsewhere.

Improved out understanding of plate tectonics& Earth’s geology.

Mid-ocean ridges and sea-floor formation.

“Venting” of heat from within.

Origin of Earth’s huge ore deposits (iron, zinc, copper, lead) in the crust.

New understand of the chemistry of the sea.

Constantly recycling sea water.

Why it is full of salt and other minerals.

Removes some elements while adding others.

Keeps the chemistry of the sea balanced.

Technology & Engineering improvements.

ALVIN!!

Battery life.

Robotics.

Photography.

Sea-floor mapping.