Deep Sea Ecosystems

From Magma to Microbes: How Hydrothermal Vents Build Ecosystems Without Sunlight

Hydrothermal vents on the seafloor host unique ecosystems that thrive in total darkness, powered by chemical energy from Earth's interior rather than sunlight. Microbes perform chemosynthesis, converting toxic vent fluids into food, forming the base of a complex food web in extreme environments.