Chemosynthetic microbial mats cover red algae and coral (which are photosynthetic).


Chemosynthetic microbial mats cover red algae and coral, which are photosynthetic. Hydrothermal vent and coral reef communities are overlapping here at 190 m depth, something none of the scientists on the Submarine Ring of Fire Expedition have witnessed before. Image courtesy of Submarine Ring of Fire 2004 Exploration, NOAA Vents Program.

 

Related Links

Submarine Ring of Fire 2004

Submarine Ring of Fire 2004: April 5 Log

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery

Download high resolution image (jpg, 1.5 Mb)