Black Smokers vs. White Smokers
There are two main types of hydrothermal vents. "Black smokers" are another name for the most common type. They are named for the black colored water that comes out of them, like the picture on the left. The different colors are due to different minerals being dissolved in the water. The black "smoke" is caused the presence of iron and sulfur, which combine to become iron monosulfide, which has a black color. When the iron monosulfide solidifies, it created the black chimneys.
"White smokers" are the cooler cousins of black smokers. These vents release cooler water then "black smokers". These vents contain more barium, calcium and sillicon. These elements also have a white color, causing the white "smoke", as seen on the right. White smokers also create white chimneys, which are usually smaller.
Although both "black smokers" and "white smokers" are different colors and have different elements, they both are breeding grounds for a unique ecosystem that can be found nowhere else on Earth.
"White smokers" are the cooler cousins of black smokers. These vents release cooler water then "black smokers". These vents contain more barium, calcium and sillicon. These elements also have a white color, causing the white "smoke", as seen on the right. White smokers also create white chimneys, which are usually smaller.
Although both "black smokers" and "white smokers" are different colors and have different elements, they both are breeding grounds for a unique ecosystem that can be found nowhere else on Earth.
A Black Smoker named "Godzilla" off the coast of Oregon.
Also shows gia