Modeling Hydrothermal Vents

Hydrothermal vents appear as giant billowing chimneys of black smoke, with temperatures over 300°C. When this superheated water meets the cold ocean environment, the chemicals dissolved in the hot water instantly precipitates out as a solid. The result is the ever-growing stacks of metals and sulfides - some reaching 60 m tall. In this demonstration, students will build their own hydrothermal vent using two different temperatures of water and items found around classrooms.