Weird Worms Live Near Pacific Ocean’s Deepest High-Temp Vent | National Geographic

Scientists have discovered the deepest high-temperature hydrothermal vent in the Pacific Ocean, located in the Gulf of California's Pescadero Basin. It sits nearly 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) below the surface. Experts think the high temperatures may cook organic material in the overlying mud into petroleum-like products. Samples of the chimney stacks have the stench of diesel fuel, but creatures like the tubeworms shown in this footage are undeterred. They cling to rocks near carbonate chimneys that emerge from a flat, muddy seafloor. The footage was captured using a remotely operated vehicle.

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VIDEO: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Associate Producer: Jed Winer

Weird Worms Live Near Pacific Ocean’s Deepest High-Temp Vent | National Geographic

National Geographic

[davawen]

'Oil-like hydrocarbons'
America : *Hippity Hoppity this is now my property*

[overseachininadoll]

Love the sound track. Where to get it?

[ChristineMAbrell]

So neat that I got to look at 12, 000 feet below sea level from my house.

[SeanLKearns]

Can somebody suggest a long form documentary on this.

[nickbonnes]

I`m impressed, extremely impressed :D

[ultimatedilan]

How do they know it smells like diesel if its underwater?

[jing]

So why doesn't the high heat cook the organic material of the tubeworms?

[sandmanbeaches]

Where's the worm that dieth not and whose fire is not quenched??!

[tttequilaaa]

If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all