Intensely shimmering water vents from the sea floor atop Forecast seamount. The temperature probe on the ROV Jason II measured temperatures as high as 200ºC at nearby vents. Snails and shrimp have colonized the site and are grazing on chemosynthetic bacteria. Jason's suction sampler is used to collect some of these animals for analysis in the lab on board the ship. Image courtesy of Submarine Ring of Fire 2006 Exploration, NOAA Vents.

Related Links

Submarine Ring of Fire 2006

Submarine Ring of Fire 2006: April 21 Log

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery