Discovery
Hydrothermal vents were initially discovered in 1977 near the Pacific Ocean by the ALVIN submersible. Alvin was first conceptualized and built in the early 1960‘s by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s “Deep Submergence Group.” The 1977 expedition was supported by the WHOI as well.
While exploring the Galapagos rift, the operators of ALVIN discovered strange vent “seepages.” Miraculously, these sea floor hot springs accommodated a plethora of life, even amidst complete darkness. Scientists were initially baffled by this astonishing discovery; the existence of flourishing life in such harsh conditions revolutionized the scientific community’s perception of organic possibility. The discovery of these vents shook the very foundations of earthly and planetary theories alike. Since the deep sea organisms could not utilize the sun’s energy photosynthetically, scientists concluded that the source of life driving the hydrothermal vent ecosystem must be chemical in nature. (More information on chemosynthesis under the Composition/Chemistry tab).
While exploring the Galapagos rift, the operators of ALVIN discovered strange vent “seepages.” Miraculously, these sea floor hot springs accommodated a plethora of life, even amidst complete darkness. Scientists were initially baffled by this astonishing discovery; the existence of flourishing life in such harsh conditions revolutionized the scientific community’s perception of organic possibility. The discovery of these vents shook the very foundations of earthly and planetary theories alike. Since the deep sea organisms could not utilize the sun’s energy photosynthetically, scientists concluded that the source of life driving the hydrothermal vent ecosystem must be chemical in nature. (More information on chemosynthesis under the Composition/Chemistry tab).