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Boiling black smoker emits hydrothermal fluids into seawater at Niua

By Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
A crusty chimney-like feature on the seafloor sends plumes of black smoke into the seawater.
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Detailed Description

A boiling black smoker emits hydrothermal fluids into seawater at Niua vent field in the Lau basin, southeast Pacific. The “black smoke” is made of metal sulfide particles that precipitate as the fluids mix. Due to the high pressure at this seafloor vent, the fluids are boiling at 325°C.

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.