Enceladus’ core likely interacts with the ocean through hydrothermal vents, similar to structures found on Earth’s ocean floor. These vents are believed to have played a role in the origin of life on our planet.
There are lifeforms on Earth that still live off these vents.
Right, life needs energy. On earth, that’s most often from sunlight, but there are magma vent extremophiles using heat, and there are fungi that use nuclear radiation.
I’m guessing that the assumption is that the water protects any life from the radiation from Saturn?
Or is the moon far enough away that that’s not an issue that needs to be protected from?
Both are valid, the sun can’t be too far away life needs light
Sea floor extremophiles: exist
There are lifeforms on Earth that still live off these vents.
Right, life needs energy. On earth, that’s most often from sunlight, but there are magma vent extremophiles using heat, and there are fungi that use nuclear radiation.