"We had discovered something new on Earth."
-John A. Knauss, leader of the edition that discovred hydrothermal vents
-John A. Knauss, leader of the edition that discovred hydrothermal vents
For a long time, scientists believed that marine life could only exist where light penetrated. With the discovery of hydrothermal vents, they not only found life on the ocean floor, but found it in thriving communities despite the extreme living conditions. These vents were first discovered in 1977 by a team of scientists aboard the submersile Alvin. They expel cloudy water at temperatures well over 300°C (600°F) and supply organisms with warmth and nutrients. The organisms living in or around the vents are called 'extremophiles,' and, with all their special adaptations, are truly unique creatures.