Deep sea dive 30 years ago led to discovery of unique undersea ecosystem

In 1993, a reporter participated in a submersible dive off the Oregon coast to explore the ocean floor.
The expedition was searching for hydrothermal vents---hot plumes of mineral-rich water spewing from cracks in the sea floor.
The dive was a success, discovering a large chimney structure containing tube worms, bacteria, palm worms, miniature lobsters, and small corals.
Skilled specialists guided the submersible dive and made quick decisions to navigate the terrain.
The author reflects on the scientific significance of submersible dives as well as the dangers involved.