Bacterial mats (left) and Clam beds (right) are excellent indications of seep and vent activity.�The white and orange coloration on the surface of the sediments in the left hand photo are filamentous bacteria which are large enough that they are visible to the naked eye.�We will be looking for these sorts of features in the sediment when trying to find seep, vent, and hybrid habitats off the Chile Margin.

Bacterial mats (left) and clam beds (right) are excellent indications of seep and vent activity. The white and orange coloration on the surface of the sediments (as seen in the left-hand photo) are filamentous bacteria which are large enough to see with the naked eye. We will be looking for these sorts of features in the sediment as we search for seep, vent, and hybrid habitats off the Chile margin. Photo courtesy of CRROCKS/NSF.

Related Links

INSPIRE: Chile Margin 2010

INSPIRE: Chile Margin 2010: Mission Plan

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery