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Cold seeps and hydrothermal vents are similar in that the ecosystems they support are largely driven by a process called chemosynthesis.

What is the difference between cold seeps and hydrothermal vents?

Cold seeps and hydrothermal vents are similar in that the ecosystems they support are largely driven by a process called chemosynthesis.

NOAA Ocean Exploration field operations area for 2023 on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Lines indicate approximate planned tracklines for each expedition. White points represent ports. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer: 2023 Expeditions Overview

This February, let it snow on your desktop with this undersea “winter wonderland,” a shipwreck teeming with life in a “storm” of marine snow and small marine animals.

Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: February

Summary map of new bathymetry collected during EX2208. After transiting from San Diego, a targeted survey was conducted off the northern coast of California.

EXPRESS: West Coast Mapping 2022 Summary

About NOAA Ocean Exploration

About NOAA Ocean Exploration

Learn about NOAA Ocean Exploration, the nation's only federal organization dedicated to exploring the global ocean.

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Video Gallery

Video Gallery

View some of the best videos from past expeditions led or supported by NOAA Ocean Exploration, organized by theme.

Data and Results

Data & Results

Access diverse scientific data, video, images, documents, and other information associated with office-supported ocean exploration expeditions.

Deep Ocean Education Project

Deep Ocean Education Project

The Deep Ocean Education Project website makes learning about the deep-sea accessible to all.

Featured Expeditions

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Featured Videos

The Lost Whaler

Bigfin Squid

Discovery of SS Bloody Marsh

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SpongeBob and Patrick

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