The Seirios camera sled returns to the surface following a great day of work on Site 4A West.

The Seirios camera sled returns to the surface following a great day of work on Site 4A West. Image courtesy of NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Galápagos Rift Expedition 2011. Download larger version (jpg, 693 KB).

Dive Two at the New Vent Site
July 22, 2011

These unique Polychaete worms, with long squid-like tentacles used for breathing, were seen undulating through the water column or resting near the seafloor. Video courtesy of NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Galapágos Rift Expedition 2011. Download (mp4, 27.1 MB)

The discovery of a new hydrothermal vent field along the Galapagos Rift buoyed spirits on the ship and on-shore. The dive was extended beyond normal operations by approximately 1.5 hrs to maximize bottom time on the site.