Which mineral could have been deposited by black smokers on the seafloor?(1 point)
Responses
barium
barium
calcium
calcium
silicon
silicon
iron sulfide
iron sulfide
The mineral that could have been deposited by black smokers on the seafloor is iron sulfide.
The mineral that could have been deposited by black smokers on the seafloor is iron sulfide.
Black smokers are hydrothermal vents on the seafloor that release hot fluid rich in minerals. These minerals precipitate out of the fluid and form deposits around the vent called "chimneys." Iron sulfide is one of the most common minerals found in these chimneys, along with other minerals like barium, calcium, and silicon.
To determine the correct answer, you need to have some understanding of hydrothermal vents and the minerals they produce. In this case, knowing that iron sulfide is a common mineral associated with black smokers can help you select the correct answer.