mussel carpet

After taking a closer look at the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) data, scientists spotted another geological target of potential interest. The late amendment to the dive plan paid off when footage of this mussel "carpet" came into view. They discovered what is probably one of the largest-known mussel beds in the deep Gulf of Mexico.  Image courtesy of Expedition to the Deep Slope 2007.

Related Links

Expedition to the Deep Slope 2007

Expedition to the Deep Slope 2007: July 3 Log

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery