Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition. Yellow and orange microbial mats forming "bioreactor" mound with a thin crust and small chimneys on top. The crusty outer coating acts as a thermal blanket to elevate internal temperature from diffuse venting and help retain reduced microbial nutrients. This mound is approximately 1 meter (3 ft) across.

Image ID: expl0109, Voyage To Inner Space - Exploring the Seas With NOAA Collect
Location: Mariana Arc region, Western Pacific Ocean
Photo Date: 2004 April
Credit: Pacific Ring of Fire 2004 Expedition. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration; Dr. Bob Embley, NOAA PMEL, Chief Scientist

Category: Ocean exploration/

• High Resolution Photo Available