Hydrothermal vents and the origins of life

 The question ‘How did life begin?’ is closely linked to the question ‘Where did life begin?’ Since their discovery, deep sea hydrothermal vents have been suggested as the birthplace of life, particularly alkaline vents, like those found at ‘the Lost City’ field in the mid-Atlantic. But not everyone is convinced that life started in the sea – many say the chemistry just won’t work and are looking for a land-based birthplace.