Vents and Seeps

Biogeography of Deep-Water Chemosynthetic Ecosystems Project (ChEss)
ChEss is a global study of the biogeography of deep-water chemosynthetic ecosystems and the processes that drive them. This project focuses on deep-water (generally well below 1000 meters) hydrothermal vents and seeps from the Earth's interior. These are extremely isolated ecosystems that may serve as nurseries for new species.

The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) ISIS being extracted from the ocean after a dive to explore hydrothermal vents. (Biogeography of Deep-Water Chemosynthetic Ecosystems Project - ChEss. Dave Edge, Southampton Oceanography Centre)

• View ChEss In Depth from the Census of Marine Life Portal
• Visit ChEss Website
• See ChEss research techniques and technology:
• Research Vessel
• Manned Submersible
• Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)
• Deep-Towed Vehicle
• Side-Scan SONAR (counting)
• Echo Sounding (counting)
• Benthic Grab
• CTD
• ADCP
• Side-Scan SONAR (physical)
• Echo Sounding (physical)
• Satellite Remote Sensing (Physical Properties)
• Traditional Identification
• Molecular Techniques
• Online Databases