April 21, 2021: Hydrate and Mussels
Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Exploration of the Gulf of Mexico 2014. Download larger version (jpg, 1.8 MB).
During the Gulf of Mexico 2014 expedition, a site selected by scientists from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management was found to have a fantastic “amphitheater of chemosynthetic life.” Scientists saw bathymodiolus mussels, methane hydrate or ice, and ice worms. There were also a number of sea urchins, sea stars, and fish in the area. Most impressive was a large accumulation of hydrates under the explored ledge as well as a large collection of mussels hanging upside down and a group of mussels that hung down off the ledge.
From: BOEM Site Selection Success!.