The ecology of deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities

摘要: Publisher Summary Hydrothermal vents, first discovered in 1977 at 2500m depth on the Galapagos Rift, provide an example of such alternative ecosystem supported by chemosynthetic primary production (Jannasch and Mottl, 1985). fluid pouring from cracks, crevices, chimneys sea floor supports large numbers kinds bacteria capable deriving energy reduced compounds, as hydrogen sulfide. This life-supporting is result water circulating deep within porous basalts reacting high temperatures with rock magma chambers along ridge axes, where new being formed. Large clusters red-plumed tube-worms emerging 2- to 3-m-long, thick, white tubes give another-worldly appearance rich community animals sustained bacteria. These oases contrast sharply surrounding relatively barren surfaces mid-ocean ridge. vent populations are particular interest since these dense large, fast-growing flourish dark pressures low temperatures, usual environment sea.