Hydrothermal vents are fissures formed on the ocean floor that emit hot water, minerals, and gases. Hydrothermal vents are also known as "black smokers," when they emit dark material, or "white smokers," when they emit lighter-colored minerals. They are also called "deep-sea hot springs," "thermal vents," or "geysers of the deep." These synonyms refer to the same geological formation of hot, mineral-rich water that is heated by magma below the earth's crust, which creates an acidic, inhospitable environment that supports unique life forms such as tube worms and giant clams. The study of hydrothermal vents has provided valuable insights into the formation of the earth's crust and the adaptability of life in extreme environments.