'Good vibrations' from deep-sea smokers may keep fish out of hot water

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The recording device that captured the sounds of black smoker venting sits here between waters that are 660 F hot enough to poach unsuspecting fish and cooler places lush with tube worms. It is speculated that the sound generated by hydrothermal vent ...
The recording device that captured the sounds of black smoker venting sits here between waters that are 660 F, hot enough to poach unsuspecting fish, and cooler places lush with tube worms. It is speculated that the sound generated by hydrothermal vents may help fish navigate around such structures. Credit: University of Washington

So you're a fish. Right now some tubeworm tartare and clams on the half shell would really hit the spot, so you're headed for the all-night café. "All-night" being the operative word because the volcanic ridge you're tooling along is nearly 1.5 miles below the surface. The term "where the sun don't shine" perfectly describes the place. It's pitch black. Darn, but what's that loud rumbling up ahead? Must be one of those pesky black smokers. Some of those babies can fry your face off. A detour is highly indicated.


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