Ring of Fire 2002 Expedition. A small segment of midocean ridge crest showing
the development of hydrothermal plumes. Plumes issue from small sites on the
ridge crest, often as a result of an intrusion of a magma dike during an episode
of seafloor spreading. The hot fluids rise and grow increasingly diluted by the
surrounding seawater and get swept away by local bottom currents.
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