Distribution, occurrences and general characteristics

Seeps are typically patchy in their distribution and their spatial continuity is often limited to a radius not exceeding a few metres (Aharon, 2000). However, Olu etal. (1996) reported a 1000 m2 continuous clam field along the Peruvian active margin, suggesting that more regular and more diffuse fluid flow is also 

The overall extent of seep communities in the deep ocean is not well known because margin environments are incompletely explored (Tunnicliffe etal., 2003). Despite this lack of detailed information, Sibuet and Olu (1998) established patterns of biodiversity, biogeography, trophic behaviour and fluid dependence of seep biological communities. 

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