The Ecology of Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents

This authoritative book provides the first comprehensive account of deep-sea hydrothermal vent research, covering the geological, chemical, and biological aspects of these extreme ecosystems.

The work explores microbial ecology, symbiotic relationships, physiological adaptations, trophic relationships, reproductive ecology, and community dynamics, while also examining related chemosynthetic ecosystems such as seeps and whale skeletons.

The book concludes by exploring the hypothesis that life may have originated at hydrothermal vents, with implications for understanding the potential for life on other planets.