About Hydrothermal Vents
Hydrothermal Vents are located around -2,100 meters. They are found where sea floor spreading occurs and the on the Mid-Ocean Ridge. The water particles coming out of the Vents can reach as high as 400 degrees Celsius. Hydrothermal Vents supports a huge array of life.
(Picture on the Left From: http://www.divediscover.whoi.edu/vents/vent-infomod.html)
Chimneys
Chimneys are made from minerals rich in metals and sulfur. Hydrothermal fluids carries metals including copper, zinc, and iron up from the ocean crust through the chimneys. Chimneys can grow bigger - as long as fluids continue to flow out of them. Some chimneys can grow as much as 30 centimeters per day and 9 meters per 18 months. A famous hydrothermal vent, Godzilla, once grew up to 30 meters, or the size of a 15 story building, before collasping and rebuilding. When they get too big, hydrothermal vents will collaspe and eventually rebuild if they remain active.