Mid-ocean ridges represent one of the few environments where it is possible to directly and regularly observe the connectivity among tectonic, volcanic, geochemical, and biological processes. This interaction of life and earth processes related to crustal accretion has provided a focus for a great deal of interdisciplinary research since the discovery of seafloor hydrothermalism in 1977 (Lonsdale, 1977). Exploration and comparison of spreading ridges and hydrothermal systems in different areas of the world continue to advance understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.

Juniper, S.K., J. Escartin, and M. Cannat. 2007. Monitoring and observatories: Multidisciplinary, time-series observations at mid-ocean ridges. Oceanography 20(1):128–137, https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2007.86.

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