In 1977, researchers exploring the Galápagos Rift made a groundbreaking discovery — hydrothermal vents, which are natural cracks on the ocean floor that discharge superheated, mineral-rich water. This discovery revolutionized marine science, revealing that life can exist without sunlight, relying instead on chemical energy from the Earth’s interior. In contrast, floor vents in homes are human-made components designed to control the flow of air from HVAC systems, ensuring balanced heating and cooling. While hydrothermal vents support unique deep-sea ecosystems and play a vital role in regulating ocean chemistry, household floor vents focus on maintaining indoor air circulation and comfort. Despite sharing the same term “vent,” their purposes are worlds apart — one sustaining life in extreme underwater conditions and the other improving the livability of human spaces.