Some surface slicks coincide well with known positions of chemosynthetic communities. The types of data received during geophysical surveys may be used to allow researchers to make educated guesses about the locations of chemosynthetic communities. Mussel communities can be short-lived. Studies have shown that accumulations of dead mussel shells can be no older than 15 - 20 years old. But photographs of some sites show little variation in living mussels and tube worms from year to year.
More research is needed to determine rates of change and levels of variation.
Naturally-occuring anoxic brine pools have been discovered which can kill fish but fuel surrounding mussel beds with gas. Mussels which fall into the pool soon die because the pools are far saltier than ambient water and some are much warmer. Several species have proven to be new to science. The structures of chemosynthetic communities worldwide are similar. Manned research submersibles have so far proven to be the only viable means to conduct the types of surveys and collections needed in deep specialized habitats.