Deep-sea hydrothermal venting: A recently discovered marine system

Abstract

The discovery of deep-sea high temperature hydrothermal vents is one of the major discoveries in the marine system of these last 15 years or so… It has an undoubted-impact on the biology and the chemistry of the ocean because, from a biological point of view, a new and fundamental mechanism has been discovered for the synthesis of organic matter other than photosynthesis. From a chemical point of view, it has been demonstrated from hydrothermal input may be equal to even superior to the input by rivers. The budget and residence time of some elements must therefore be reappraised. The history of this discovery, made possible by the development of new undersea techniques and the penetration of man into the deep abyss, as well as to a well thought and strategy, is discussed. It will be demonstrated from the geographical distribution of the presently known hydrothermal fields that it is a major component of the oceanic system, and not a freak of nature. The biological and chemical impact is explained subsequently. Finally, the recent chronology of hydrothermal events is established leading to the conclusion that hydrothermal activity is a highly episodic phenomenon.