Relating to hot water, especially the circulation of heated groundwater or the geological processes involving hot water and dissolved minerals. Most commonly associated with underwater volcanic vents.
From Greek 'hydro-' meaning 'water' and 'thermal' from Greek 'therme' meaning 'heat.' The term gained prominence in the 1960s-70s with the discovery of deep-sea hydrothermal vents and their unique ecosystems.
Hydrothermal vents are like underwater oases in the deep ocean desert - these geological hot springs create islands of life in the aphotic zone, supporting entire ecosystems based on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis! Giant tube worms, ghostly white crabs, and bacteria that eat chemicals thrive around these natural hot tubs on the seafloor.
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