Submarine hot springs, called hydrothermal vents, spew out mineral-rich hot water. What do scientists hope to learn by tracking the temperature variations around these vents for an entire year?

From Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean and back again. Experience the final day of an expedition to study deep sea vents with this eyewitness account, and learn what came of the research.

What are "monkey's fists" doing out at sea? This type of seaman's knot is being used to deploy deep sea thermometers. Find out if this teacher AND her fists get to travel to the ocean floor.

What does it take to send a crew to the bottom of the ocean? A sub with 14-inch-thick walls made of a titanium-steel alloy—and a day of calm seas to ensure smooth diving.

For oceanographers, the work they do at sea is just the beginning. Learn more about the discoveries made by one scientist who completed more than 100 dives to the sea floor.

How pressurized is the ocean floor? Imagine an elephant standing on your big toe—then apply that pressure to your whole body. But thanks to ALVIN, scientists can make the dive comfortably.

You don't need to leave Earth to find life forms that can exist in the harshest of environments. This marine geologist discusses the exciting research being done at the bottom of the ocean.

Dive down, down, and down a whole lot more—until you've traveled 2,400 meters to the sea floor. Can you picture how deep that really is? Compare it with the height of famous landmarks, and you will.

Climb aboard this virtual expedition, and take charge of the ship's controls. You'll travel a 40-kilometer (24.8-mile) stretch of the Juan de Fuca Ridge, looking for a deep sea vent.

Scientists don't have to scour every inch of ocean floor to locate deep sea vents, but that doesn't mean the process is fast or easy. Learn more about these researchers' painstaking work.