Sea Chimneys One of the most interesting discoveries that scientists have made beneath the ocean are rocky tubes called sea chimneys. Sea chimneys rise from the ocean floor like stalagmites. They are actually volcanic vents, which release clouds of smoke containing chemicals from the earth’s interior. The smoke from these sea chimneys heats the ocean water around them. This water creates many different kinds of minerals and supports large colonies of life forms, including small worms, sea spiders, and limpets. Scientists have also found tiny microbes inside these chimneys that are some of the most primitive forms of life ever found. Sea chimneys were not discovered until 1977. They were first found near the Galapagos Islands off the coast of South America. In 1998, scientists working in the Pacific Ocean actually brought huge pieces of sea chimneys to the surface. They hope to discover important clues about how forms of life can survive in such a harsh place. Some scientists believe that life on earth may even have started in these kinds of hot conditions under the sea. 1. Life forms most likely live near sea chimneys because ________________________.

Sea Chimneys One of the most interesting discoveries that scientists have made beneath the ocean are rocky tubes called sea chimneys. Sea chimneys rise from the ocean floor like stalagmites. They are actually volcanic vents, which release clouds of smoke containing chemicals from the earth’s interior. The smoke from these sea chimneys heats the ocean water around them. This water creates many different kinds of minerals and supports large colonies of life forms, including small worms, sea spiders, and limpets. Scientists have also found tiny microbes inside these chimneys that are some of the most primitive forms of life ever found. Sea chimneys were not discovered until 1977. They were first found near the Galapagos Islands off the coast of South America. In 1998, scientists working in the Pacific Ocean actually brought huge pieces of sea chimneys to the surface. They hope to discover important clues about how forms of life can survive in such a harsh place. Some scientists believe that life on earth may even have started in these kinds of hot conditions under the sea. 2. What is the main purpose of this passage?

Sea Chimneys One of the most interesting discoveries that scientists have made beneath the ocean are rocky tubes called sea chimneys. Sea chimneys rise from the ocean floor like stalagmites. They are actually volcanic vents, which release clouds of smoke containing chemicals from the earth’s interior. The smoke from these sea chimneys heats the ocean water around them. This water creates many different kinds of minerals and supports large colonies of life forms, including small worms, sea spiders, and limpets. Scientists have also found tiny microbes inside these chimneys that are some of the most primitive forms of life ever found. Sea chimneys were not discovered until 1977. They were first found near the Galapagos Islands off the coast of South America. In 1998, scientists working in the Pacific Ocean actually brought huge pieces of sea chimneys to the surface. They hope to discover important clues about how forms of life can survive in such a harsh place. Some scientists believe that life on earth may even have started in these kinds of hot conditions under the sea. 3. Describing sea chimneys as being like stalagmites is an example of ________________________.