hydrothermal vents and lifeforms

The first discovery of a new type of hydrothermal vent system in a decade helps explain the long observed disconnect between the theoretical rate at which the Earth’s crust is cooling at seafloor spreading ridge flanks, and actual observations. It could also help scientists interpret the evidence for past global climates more accurately.

NOC’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) used to investigate the social life of the hairy chested ‘Hoff’ crab.

Researchers from the University of Southampton have used the Isis ROV to shed light onto the “child-care” arrangements of a new species of deep-sea crab, which has been nicknamed the “Hoff” because of its hairy chest.

The location of an underwater volcanic vent, marked by a low-lying plume of shimmering water, has been revealed by scientists at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton.