Then we suddenly saw clams – giant clams the size of dinner plates – and tube worms that were two or three metres tall. View image in fullscreen Top: Giant clams with blood-red flesh; and bottom: tube worms surrounded by mussels. We were always taught that life had to live in a very narrow pH, and all of a sudden we were finding life in a very acidic environment. We realised that these clams and tube worms were actually ingesting the chemistry of the vents, using it as fuel. You discovered hydrothermal vents, but they’re only going to remember you for finding that old boat.”And moms are never wrong … finding hydrothermal vents beats the hell out of finding the Titanic.

Source: The Guardian May 09, 2024 16:17 UTC