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Description
Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition. Yellow and orange microbial mats formingbioreactor mound with a thin crust and small chimneys on top. The crustyouter coating acts as a thermal blanket to elevate internal temperaturefrom diffuse venting and help retain reduced microbial nutrients.This mound is approximately 1 meter (3 ft) across.
Credit
Pacific Ring of Fire 2004 Expedition. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration; Dr. Bob Embley, NOAA PMEL, Chief Scientist
Display Date
2004 April
Location
Mariana Arc region, Western Pacific Ocean
Category
Voyage to Inner Space
Ocean Exploration Collection
Modern Expeditions
Ring of Fire
Keywords
Ocean Exploration