Prediction of Hydrothermal Vent Locations from Distributions of Brachyuran Crabs

摘要

We apply a model of symmetrical, exponential decreases in brachyuran crab density with distance from vent centers to a video census of crab density along the neovolcanic zone of the East Pacific Rise to predict the number of vents and their locations. Our model, calibrated by data from two known vents, accurately locates one other known vent and predicts the locations of three additional vents presumably skirted by the towed camera sled. Analysis of crab distributions may thus be a valuable tool for mapping the locations of hydrothermal vents with remotely operated camera gear. Reprints. (aw)