Whatever writes:
Which is why you have hydrothermal vents venting water where the tectonic plates meets the basalt mid-ocean ridges.
Wow, I don't know what to say. You really think this is the case? Really? Hydrothermal vents vent water because water seeps down into cracks and crevisses. When it encounters warmer rocks (near magma) it heats up, becomes less dense, and rises violently to the surface. Because of the great pressure at depth the water remains liquid although it may be extremely hot (much hotter than 100 degrees C). This isn't a theory, a possible explanation, etc. Literally tens of millions have been spent on studying these vents all over the world. While mysteries remain, we know pretty much exactly what causes hydrothermal vents, black smokers, cold seeps, etc.
btw - (and just to brag
) I have actually been to a deep sea vent (well, via ROV but still) and collected giant tube worms and clams. As well as the beautiful beasties in my avatar.
Edited by Lithodid-Man, : Forgot to mention the Bathynomus giganteus from my avatar!
Doctor Bashir: "Of all the stories you told me, which were true and which weren't?"
Elim Garak: "My dear Doctor, they're all true"
Doctor Bashir: "Even the lies?"
Elim Garak: "Especially the lies"