Temperature surveys will be conducted and water samples will be collected. After picking up the fish trap and a thermistor array, the Alvin will head for the surface. In a special training surprise during the ascent to the surface, Veronique will pretend to pass out and BLee will turn off all power to the Alvin. This is designed to test Bruce's ability to work calmly to resolve problems while under pressure. Most of the fauna found is endemic to this area.
Numerous animals live within extreme temperature gradients.
Biomass increases as you approach the hydrothermal vents. This environment is unstable and is changed by earthquake activity and by changes in subsurface plumbing. In sub-surface plumbing, a population increase could clog these passageways and the hydrogen sulfide would not be able to get through. If the chimneys are damaged due to these environmental changes, they can be rebuilt and recolonized by the organisms. Factors such as proximity to the vent, temperatures, prevailing currents, habitat and larval dynamics affect the amount of time in which recolonization can begin.