The discovery of seafloor hydrothermal systems approximately two decad
es ago has led to a major reassessment of the Earth's thermal and geoc
hemical budgets and has revolutionized our understanding of biological
processes. This review traces the development of the study of seafloo
r hydrothermal systems from the indirect evidence provided by conducti
ve heat flow anomalies to the discovery of approximate to 350 degrees
C black smoker vents on the East Pacific Rise at 21 degrees N. Althoug
h the review focuses on physical characteristics and processes, it out
lines some key characteristics of vent fluid chemistry that provide co
nstraints on physical models. Ridge crest systems have thermal power o
utputs ranging from 10 to 10(4) MW. They are transient systems, driven
by magmatic heat sources, but episodic events such as megaplumes, the
interplay between focused and diffuse venting, and other aspects rela
ted to their thermal, chemical, and biological evolution remain poorly
understood. Advances will be made by continuing exploration and disco
very to determine the full range of possible phenomena both on and off
axis and in different tectonic settings. In order to understand the c
omplete, integrated ridge system, however, future studies must include
long-term monitoring of an active system, deep drilling into the reac
tion zone, and mathematical modeling that incorporates both physical a
nd chemical constraints.