1.  The Importance of Hydrothermal Vents

2. Completely changed our view of life.  Chemosynthesis.  “Extreme’ life forms.  New ideas on the origin of life on Earth.  New ideas on life elsewhere.

3. Improved out understanding of plate tectonics & Earth’s geology.  Mid-ocean ridges and sea-floor formation.  “Venting” of heat from within.  Origin of Earth’s huge ore deposits (iron, zinc, copper, lead) in the crust.

4. New understand of the chemistry of the sea.  Constantly recycling sea water.  Why it is full of salt and other minerals.  Removes some elements while adding others.  Keeps the chemistry of the sea balanced.

5. Technology & Engineering improvements.  ALVIN!!  Battery life.  Robotics.  Photography.  Sea-floor mapping.