At the places where the plates meet in the middle of the ocean lie deep sea hydrothermal vents. At these vents, hot gases from deep within the earth shoot up through the crust and into the water. The warmth creates a unique environment for various organisms; the vents themselves allow scientists to learn more about the Earth and its composition.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and its submarine "Alvin" has been a leading figure in research on deep sea hydrothermal vents. Alvin has been used to look at the gases and rocks from within the earth as well as the creatures living near these vents.
The various organisms that live near the vents thrive on chemosynthesis which is the process of using chemicals, instead of light, for energy. Microorganisms use this process and serve as prey for more complex organisms such as shrimp and crab.
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