Life Lines

Video of first antarctic deep-sea vent discovered

Posted by Dr. Dolittle on January 6, 2012
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Scientists exploring newly discovered deep-sea vents in the Antarctic have also discovered new species of hairy-chested yeti crabs (the “hair” being from bacteria), anemones, and predatory seven-armed sea stars. Many of these animals have never been seen before at hydrothermal vents explored in other oceans.

Video from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) exploring the first deep-sea vents found in Antarctica.

Credit: NERC ChEsSo Consortium

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Comments

  1. #1 dpk
    January 7, 2012

    Interesting title … where was the video? In the vent?

  2. #2 Another Kiwi
    January 7, 2012

    Is that some sort of octopus there? How can it stand the pressure at that depth?

  3. #3 Art
    January 8, 2012

    I don’t think pressure is a problem for a creature with no trapped gasses and made of soft tissues as long as they don’t rise too quickly. High temperatures, on the other hand, might be big issue. Too close to a hydrothermal vent and you have cooked calamari.