Explore Underwater Volcanoes
Unknown until 1493 when Christopher Columbus arrived in the Azores now you too can be an explorer!
Near the Azores, 7,875 feet (2,400m) below the ocean surface, lie the Rainbow Vents a field of tall sediment chimneys in constant eruption mode. Like smokestacks, these billowing black smokers blast minerals several feet up into the cool Atlantic waters. Beyond its geological significance, the site is a biological wonderland of alien marine life. Vast colonies of white crabs blind shrimp, mussels, clams, ribbony fish and tubeworms populate the deep-ocean Ecosystem.
Agenda - Explore Underwater Volcanoes
Your Buyagift expedition begins on dry land, where you'll first explore the lush green valleys surrounding the dormant volcanoes of the islands. Then you and your fellow travellers will be among the first adventurers to descend to the depth of the sea floor via sophisticated submersibles to view the fascinating hydrothermal vents, and to witness the birthplace of a planet.
Explore Underwater Volcanoes Notes
MIR pilots have explored the numerous active vent fields throughout the world and in 1998 they worked in the Rainbow area. As the submersible enters the field you will soon discover the origin of the name. Shimmering patterns of superheated water abound as vents breathe into the cold seawater (34?F/1?C). Black smokers belch out plumes of dark stygian elements. Mineral deposits spewed onto the seafloor surrounding the vents offer a beautiful kaleidoscope of colour. A recent lava flow will produce pillow lava formations - Mother Earth's new crust, fresh from the oven. Especially important are robust and diverse life forms crowding these rare vents. Here are some of the oldest life forms on Earth, unknown to man until just two decades ago, ready to be seen and captured on film for later reflection. Only a few select scientists have ever witnessed the beauty and mystery of these deep-sea geysers up close. Without sunlight, a process known as chemosynthesis allows the food chain to thrive, sustaining thes
This gift is available in Azores