A Black Smoker is a type of hydrothermal vent found on the ocean floor, typically along mid-ocean ridges. These vents release superheated water rich in minerals, which creates a dark, smoky appearance due to the presence of sulfide minerals. The temperature of the water can reach up to 400 degrees Celsius (752 degrees Fahrenheit), and the pressure at these depths is extremely high.
The mineral-rich water from Black Smokers supports unique ecosystems, including various extremophiles, such as certain types of bacteria and tube worms. These organisms rely on chemosynthesis, a process that converts chemicals from the vent into energy, rather than sunlight, making them crucial to the deep-sea food web.