Watch: Hydrothermal Ocean Vents Found in Surprisingly Shallow Water

Scientists discovered a new field of hydrothermal vents in the Atlantic Ocean, 60 miles off the Azores islands. Hydrothermal vents are deep-sea hot springs that form chimney-like structures and are home to strange forms of life. The newly discovered vents are in relatively shallow waters at 1,870 feet deep.

The first vents ever discovered were at depths of 8,000 feet. More than 700 new species have been found near hydrothermal vents, and even more may be discovered at this new site. The discovery was part of a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition of the Azores, which is being documented on Open Explorer.