Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chrysomallon squamiferum — better known as the volcano snail, iron snail or scaly-foot snail — is a species of snail that lives in hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean. Hydrothermal vents are openings in the seafloor from which geothermally heated water escapes. They form in volcanically active areas like mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates spread apart. Amazingly, these volcano snails embrace heat like few other species can, withstanding temperatures of up to 400 degrees Celsius!
Hydrothermal vents
Volcano snails are one of many deep-sea gastropods, but they are distinguished by their ability to sequester iron metal ions from water to form iron-sulfide coatings on their shells, bodies and feet. They’re the only existent creature we know of to incorporate these substances into their skeleton. Depending on the ratio of iron, sulfide, pyrite and gregite in the vent water, volcano snails can range in color from white to gold to black. I guess you could call these one-of-a-kind creatures the “ironmen” of the sea!
Spanning more than 45 square miles, The Geysers in northern California is the largest geothermal power plant complex in the world. For over a century, its steam has powered innovation, clean energy, and communities across the region.
Before it became the world’s largest geothermal power-producing site, The Geysers was known as the “Gates to Hades,” drawing visitors with its healing waters, steam vents, and wild legends.
One of the many obstacles for hopeful settlers is the need for power and heat on these barren landscapes. Some geologists and other scientists theorize that geothermal energy may be the answer.
