While exploring Gosnold Seamount in 2014, we encountered a high diversity of deep-sea corals and sponges, such as those shown here on a steep outcrop during our transit upslope. In addition to their interesting geological features, seamounts are also important because they harbor more marine life than the surrounding seafloor, often becoming isolated oases of life.
Biodiversity at Gosnold Seamount
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Our Deepwater Backyard: Exploring Atlantic Canyons and Seamounts 2014. Download larger version (jpg, 1.5 MB).

While exploring Gosnold Seamount in 2014, we encountered a high diversity of deep-sea corals and sponges, such as those shown here on a steep outcrop during our transit upslope. In addition to their interesting geological features, seamounts are also important because they harbor more marine life than the surrounding seafloor, often becoming isolated oases of life.

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