Black Smokers Deep in the Pacific Ocean lays something that has never been seen before with the naked eye until just recently. These odd formations are called "black smokers". They resemble chimney-like pillars that form when extremely hot mineral rich water leaks out of cracks in the ocean floor. When this mixture of minerals and hot water comes into contact with the freezing cold water, a stalagmite structure is formed due to the precipitation the of minerals These columns are capable of growing up to 100 feet or more. What gives the structure the name "black smoker" is obvious if observed. The pillars look like they are puffi