Recent explorations have uncovered a remarkable ecosystem thriving beneath the Pacific Ocean, revealing new forms of animal life near hydrothermal vents. Researchers used a remotely operated underwater vehicle named SuBastian to study the East Pacific Rise, a volcanically active ridge where two tectonic plates meet. At a depth of 1.56 miles (2,515 meters), scientists found giant tubeworms and other marine invertebrates, including snails and bristleworms, living in cavities within the Earth’s crust. Marine biologist Sabine Gollner from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research noted this is the first time animal life has been discovered within the oceanic crust, significantly changing the understanding of marine ecosystems. The research team deployed SuBastian from the research vessel Falkortoo, using a special chisel to penetrate the rocky seabed and access these hidden habitats. This discovery demonstrates the connection between the seafloor and underground ecosystems, as larvae from these creatures may thrive in both areas. Gollner explained that hydrothermal vents release superheated, chemically rich water, creating a unique habitat that supports diverse life. As technology improves, further exploration may reveal even more about deep-sea ecosystems and their importance for global biodiversity.