Home > Popular Themes > Geological
White smoker hydrothermal vents, artwork C016 / 5350
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
White smoker hydrothermal vents, artwork C016 / 5350
Protocell hydrothermal vents. Artwork of bubbles rising upwards from white smoker hydrothermal vents. These bubbles are being used to represent and indicate the origin of protocells in the early history of life on Earth. This can represent the unicellular Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA), around 3.5 to 3.6 billion years ago during the Paleoarchean era. It is thought that deep seabed hydrothermal vents provided ideal conditions for the origin of life. Magma (molten rock) near the surface heated water that dissolved mineral salts. As this met the cold surrounding water, the minerals rapidly precipitated out, producing the smoke, here light-coloured (white smokers)
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9206123
© RICHARD BIZLEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Dissolved Earth Sciences Geological High Pressure High Temperature Lava Magma Mineral Minerals Ocean Floor Oceanography Precipitating Seabed Smoker Smoking Smoky Steaming Underwater Vent Venting Volcanic Volcano Precipitated Superheated
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork, titled "White Smoker Hydrothermal Vents" takes us on a visual journey back in time to the early history of life on Earth. The image showcases the mesmerizing sight of bubbles rising upwards from white smoker hydrothermal vents, symbolizing the origin of protocells. These vents played a crucial role in the development of life as we know it today. Believed to have emerged around 3.5 to 3.6 billion years ago during the Paleoarchean era, these deep seabed hydrothermal vents provided an ideal environment for the formation and evolution of unicellular organisms. The illustration beautifully captures the volcanic nature of these underwater wonders. Magma near the surface heated water that dissolved mineral salts, creating a superheated mixture that would eventually rise through these vents. As this mixture encountered colder surrounding water, minerals rapidly precipitated out, resulting in smoke-like plumes known as white smokers. This artwork not only highlights the geological and marine aspects but also emphasizes their significance in understanding our planet's past. It represents a pivotal moment when life began its remarkable journey from simple protocells towards complex organisms. Through this stunning portrayal by Richard Bizley from Science Photo Library, we are reminded of how interconnected our existence is with Earth's natural processes and how vital it is to explore and comprehend our origins for a better understanding of ourselves and our world.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
