Microphotograph of Carbonate

In a paper-thin section of a chimney from Lost City, a network of pore spaces (dark areas) define meandering fluid flow paths through walls of aragonite, brucite, and calcite. The wispy nature of the carbonate deposition may reflect nucleation of carbonate on bacterial that form long strands or filaments on the outside of actively venting chimneys. Image courtesy of University of Washington.

Related Links

The Lost City 2005

The Lost City 2005: Chimney Formation

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery