Deep-sea vents are openings in the ocean floor where heated water rich in minerals escapes from beneath the Earth's crust. These vents are often found along mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates are moving apart. The water can reach temperatures of over 400 degrees Celsius and is filled with chemicals like hydrogen sulfide, which support unique ecosystems. The ecosystems around deep-sea vents are fascinating because they rely on chemosynthesis instead of photosynthesis. Organisms such as tube worms, clams, and bacteria thrive in these extreme conditions, forming complex food webs. These vents are important for understanding life in extreme environments and the origins of life on Earth.