A field of extinct sulfide chimneys, several meters high, rise above the surrounding seafloor. The pink staining is a combination of biological and chemical processes.

A field of extinct sulfide chimneys, several meters high, rise above the surrounding seafloor. The pink staining is a combination of biological and chemical processes.

A field of extinct sulfide chimneys, several meters high, rise above the surrounding seafloor. The pink staining is a combination of biological and chemical processes.

Apex of extinct sulfide chimney, several meters high, rises above the surrounding seafloor. The coloration is a combination of biological and chemical processes.

Inactive sulfide chimneys along the pinnacle of one tall extinct sulfide spire. It is likely that these once had billows of superheated hydrothermal fluid emanating from them. They form when minerals in the hot fluid precipitate out upon contact with seawater.

Inactive sulfide chimneys along the pinnacle of one tall extinct sulfide spire. It is likely that these once had billows of superheated hydrothermal fluid emanating from them. They form when minerals in the hot fluid precipitate out upon contact with seawater.

Inactive sulfide chimneys along the pinnacle of one tall extinct sulfide spire. It is likely that these once had billows of superheated hydrothermal fluid emanating from them. They form when minerals in the hot fluid precipitate out upon contact with seawater. This is the summit of a 10+ meter high extinct chimney.

Rugged lava cliff face with small tube worms and white holothurian

Microscopic microbial material often lines cracks and vent openings in the basaltic seafloor lava following volcanic eruptions.

Microscopic microbial material often lines cracks and vent openings in the basaltic seafloor lava following volcanic eruptions.

Bacterial mat covering basaltic rocks and white vent crabs

Vent shrimp and crabs on rock covered with microbial material

Vent shrimp on gray rock surface

Smooth fairly new black shiny lava overlying angular lava boulder field.

Small anemones and small tube worms on rock race

Pillow lavas overlying angular rock face in relatively biota poor area

Lone lava boulder lying on ridge of angular volcanic rock.

Dead broken clam shells indicating an area of previous hydrothermal venting.

An open lava tube. This collapsed feature often occurs when the outer edges of a flow are quickly cooled by contact with seawater. The insulated lava inside remains viscous and eventually recedes, creating a void.

Antipatharian sea whip coral colonizing area of large pillow lava formations. Red shrimp seen to left of base of coral.

Hydrothermal 'smoke", really mineral-laden vent fluids, rising into water column at Tempus Fugit vent field.

In a hydrothermal venting fog cloud with much particulate matter raining down.

A Brachyuran crab rests on rock near a site of diffused venting. These blind crabs are typically found inhabiting mussel beds close to hydrothermal venting.

Microscopic microbial material often lines cracks and vent openings in the basaltic seafloor lava following volcanic eruptions. This area has a particularly interesting pattern of microbial coverage.

Shrimp and crabs colonizing a rock outcrop at a diffuse venting site.

Brachyuran crabs rest on rock near a site of diffused venting. These blind crabs are typically found inhabiting mussel beds close to hydrothermal venting.

Brachyuran crabs are seen on a rock surface near a site of diffused venting. These blind crabs are typically found inhabiting mussel beds close to hydrothermal venting.

A pinkish fish and a blind Brachyuran crab seen near a site of diffused venting.

A Brachyuran crab rests on rock near a site of diffused venting. These blind crabs are typically found inhabiting mussel beds close to hydrothermal venting.

A Brachyuran crab rests on rock near a site of diffused venting. These blind crabs are typically found inhabiting mussel beds close to hydrothermal venting.

Description not available.

Description not available.

Description not available.

Description not available.

An open lava tube. This collapsed feature often occurs when the outer edges of a flow are quickly cooled by contact with seawater. The insulated lava inside remains viscous and eventually recedes, creating a void.

An open lava tube. This collapsed feature often occurs when the outer edges of a flow are quickly cooled by contact with seawater. The insulated lava inside remains viscous and eventually recedes, creating a void.

An open lava tube. This collapsed feature often occurs when the outer edges of a flow are quickly cooled by contact with seawater. The insulated lava inside remains viscous and eventually recedes, creating a void.

Spaghetti worms cover a basalt rock surface

Spaghetti worms and a large red shrimp on a basalt rock surface

An open lava tube. This collapsed feature often occurs when the outer edges of a flow are quickly cooled by contact with seawater. The insulated lava inside remains viscous and eventually recedes, creating a void.

Description not available.

Description not available.

A field of ropy pahoehoe lava that exhibited apparent laminar flow

Description not available.

Description not available.

Description not available.

Siboglinid tube worms, perhaps a species not observed before on the Galapagos Rift, were found at Tempus Fugit vent field. Numerous limpets are also seen in this image.

Riftia tube worms and a carpet of small white anemones.

Description not available.

An open lava tube. This collapsed feature often occurs when the outer edges of a flow are quickly cooled by contact with seawater. The insulated lava inside remains viscous and eventually recedes, creating a void.