BLACK SMOKERS

 

We are told that BLACK SMOKERS were unknown until 1977…….or were they?

Scientists first found hydrothermal vents 2,500 metres under the Pacific Ocean in the Galapagos Rift off the coast of Ecuador. Sea water at ~2 degrees C is drawn down to be heated by volcanic magma to ~460 degrees as a supercritical fluid, rich in hydrogen sulphide and acidic as vinegar. The minerals deposited form chimneys up to 20 metres tall and unique microcosms of life develop around them, including giant clams and tubeworms 3-4 metres in length.

By the way, it was recorded in the Jewish Scriptures at least 2,400 years ago that God challenged Job: “Have you entered the springs of the sea?” from the Hebrew word: nebek, meaning ‘fountain’.           

As they say: “Out of sight, out of mind” but no…..not unknown.

Acknowledgements:   The author of ‘Job’                  
wikipedia.com                                                                                  
Photo credit: flickr.com