Deep Sea Biodiversity and Ecosystems
The
Juan de Fuca Ridge is one of the best natural laboratories for the study
of the fundamental geological and biological processes on mid ocean
ridges, which account for more than 60% of the world’s volcanic
activity. Extensive fields of hot water vents support lush communities
on and within the ocean crust and also influence the physics, chemistry
and productivity of the overlying water column. Changes in the productivity
of the water column in the deep ocean may extend tens to hundreds of
kilometers away from the vent sites. Hot vent microbes, and others deep
within the ocean crust, have altered our understanding of the early evolution
of life on Earth and how life can flourish in extreme environments. Some
vent systems change relatively quickly, providing unique insight into
deepsea ecosystem dynamics.
Science Themes
- “Deep Sea Biodiversity and Ecosystems”
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