Diversity of deep sea 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 kilometres 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.
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