Deep Sea Deep Secrets

Documentary exploring the hundreds of species of life that thrive in total darkness at the hydrothermal vents along the Mid-Ocean Ridge, several miles below the ocean surface. Little food filters down from the surface and there is no sunlight to support photosynthesis. 

The organisms support themselves by a process known as chemosynthesis, where chemicals from the earth's interior react with seawater to support bacteria that form the basis of a food chain. In order to obtain samples and study the system in detail, scientists used a state-of-the-art, three-person, underwater submersible named Alvin, which can dive to depths of 14,764 feet.

Scientists have nicknamed these organisms “dandelions.” They are colonial organisms — each cluster is composed of many organisms living in close association with one another.

Holger W. Jannasch, probed the dark recesses of the sea for the tiniest forms of life and helped discover how they constitute a hidden biosphere that dominates the planet Known for his acumen, cooperative spirit and high standards of scientific inquiry, Dr. Jannasch was a senior scientist at Woods Hole. He was born in Germany, trained there as a biologist and joined Woods Hole in 1963 when he moved to this county. Throughout his career he worked to understand microbial ecology in the deep sea, helping discover, map and analyze the workings of a strange and important world.