Unexplored before 1977, hydrothermal vents (aka: 'black smokers') represent a unique environment on our planet. In spite of their inaccessibility, they continue to be the focus of much investigation and research, the results of |
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which are helping to answer many scientific questions. Imagine that you and your partner are the first scientists to ever see a hydrothermal vent. As you plunge deep into the abyss near the Mid-Ocean Ridge system you see them... Chimneys reaching as high as a 15 story building with billowing smoke stacks shooting from their tops. Amazed, you lean over to your fellow scientist and ask "How can there be smoke underwater? This is CRAZY! What is the smoke?" Your Task: Thinking like a Geochemist, describe the chemical makeup of the 'smoke' coming from these underwater chimneys. Use the links to the left (see click here) to work through Parts 1-3 under Your Task (see above). This should help you answer the question... |
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