Researchers discover animal life in the deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Researchers have discovered animal life beneath the seafloor at hydrothermal vents in the eastern Pacific, near the Galápagos Islands. Scientists found enormous tubeworms and other vent animals thriving, challenging the previous belief that only microbes and viruses can inhibit inhospitable subseafloor crust. Researchers used the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) SuBastian to a vent site 8,250 feet (2,515 meters) beneath the ocean surface. ROV discovered a few cavities, inhabited by macroscopically visible animals. The results showcased the shallow subseafloor as a suitable habitat for vent animals.