This volume synthesizes the relevant data that is fundamental to our understanding of trace
metal biogeochemistry and the ecology of biological communities of deep-sea vent systems. It
presents the combined results of biological and geochemical research and analyzes the
microdistribution of animals and the spatial structure of vent communities. Careful
consideration is given to the export of iron and other trace metals from hydrothermal vents.
The environmental conditions to be found in deep-sea hydrothermal community habitats along
with the trace metal behavior in biotope water are characterized and the sources and forms of
trace metals taken up by dominant hydrothermal vent animals are discussed. Special attention is
paid to the poorly investigated deep biosphere of the sub-seafloor igneous crust. The book is
illustrated with a wealth of exceptional deep-sea photos taken by the manned submersible Mir
and a dedicated chapter focuses on the role of deep manned submersibles inocean research. The
book will be of interest to researchers and students in the fields of oceanography
geochemistry biology the environmental sciences and marine ecology.
