Beehive-type tops of the chimneys are expelling hydrothermal fluids that make 'smoke' upon mixing with the surrounding seawater.

Very top of the 5 Towers chimney complex, now 11 meters (36 feet) above the seafloor. Beehive-type tops of the chimneys are expelling hydrothermal fluids that make 'smoke' upon mixing with the surrounding seawater. Image courtesy of Submarine Ring of Fire 2006 Exploration, NOAA Vents Program

Related Links

Submarine Ring of Fire 2006

Submarine Ring of Fire 2006: May 1 Log

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery

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