Hydrothermal vent origin of life: Difference between revisions

In 1977, scientists discovered the first hydrothermal vent along the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Some vents were called 'black smokers' and they used high levels of [[sulfides]] to create smoke. It was found that the smoke from the sulfide and cold ocean waters would collide, heating the water up to 400° celsius. When hydrothermal vents are formed, [[serpentinization]] occurs. Seabed rocks, which are rocks on the ocean floor, contain magnesium iron silicate that sparks a large reaction with the water, producing hydrogen. As a result of all these reactions, some may say they are like geysers or hot springs on the ocean floor. Discovered in 2000 are hydrothermal vents, called 'white smokers', that discharge a lighter colored volume of minerals. This is because there are different chemicals used than black smokers. Because the white smokers contain barium, calcium, and silicon. The difference in chemicals also affects the temperature as white smokers are much cooler. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents/