Samples of loose geological crust in a lab on a white board next to a color checker card and a ruler.
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Sample: Polymetallic Crust
This scoop of polymetallic crust was collected from a small ridge structure on a seamount during Dive 01 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition. The color checker is included in the photo to help document changes in mineralogy that may occur when the sample is exposed to air and warmer temperatures.
Credit

NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration