peek below a tubeworm bush shows carbonate rock

A peek below a tubeworm bush. Large pieces of carbonate rock along with tubeworm roots may block seepage just below the surface and prevent toxic chemicals from reaching the seafloor. Image courtesy of Gulf of Mexico 2002, NOAA/OER.

Related Links

Gulf of Mexico

Gulf of Mexico: Chemosynthetic Communities in the Gulf of Mexico

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery