Axial Caldera Image Gallery

Axial Caldera Image Gallery

Geological map of Pacific NW
The intermediate spreading Juan de Fuca Ridge hosts multiple segments. A hot spot underlies the ridge beneath Axial Seamount. The Cobb-Eickeberg Seamount chain marks the migration of the Pacific Plate over time. Transform faults and fracture zones bounding tectonic plates off Vancouver Island south to California. Credit: Center for Environmental Visualization and D. Kelley, University of Washington.
Bathymetric map of Axial Seamount and US west coast
Axial Seamount rises to a depth of ~ 1500 m beneath the oceans surface and is cut by the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Transform faults and fracture zones bounding tectonic plates off Vancouver Island south to California. Credit: Center for Environmental Visualization and D. Kelley, University of Washington.
3D rendering of Axial Caldera
Axial Seamount is the most magmatically robust volcano on the Juan de Fuca Ridge spreading center. It hosts numerous active hydrothermal fields and abundant sites of diffuse flow.
Diagram of Axial cables and instruments
The summit of Axial Volcano now hosts 20 instruments, many of which are now streaming data live to shore. Credit: University of Washington.
Axial Seamount is located above the Cobb Hot spot and is dissected by the Juan de Fuca Ridge spreading center. The summit of this highly active volcano is located ~ 1500 m beneath the oceans's surface. Down dropped seafloor forms a caldera marked by ~ 100 m tall near vertical cliffs. Three active hydrothermal fields are fueled by heat from a mamga reservoir ~ 2 km beneath the seafloor. Credit: D. Kelley and CEV, University of Washington.
Axial Seamount is located above the Cobb Hot spot and is dissected by the Juan de Fuca Ridge spreading center. The summit of this highly active volcano is located ~ 1500 m beneath the oceans's surface. Down dropped seafloor forms a caldera marked by ~ 100 m tall near vertical cliffs. Three active hydrothermal fields are fueled by heat from a mamga reservoir ~ 2 km beneath the seafloor. Credit: D. Kelley and CEV, University of Washington.
This bathymetric map shows the location of the 2011 and 2015 lava flows in the caldera of Axial Seamount and along the northern rift and the hydrothermal fields (e.g. International District) and diffuse flow sites and other vents. Credit: M. Elend, University of Washington. The bathymetry is courtesy of D. Caress, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.
This bathymetric map shows the location of the 2011 and 2015 lava flows in the caldera of Axial Seamount and along the northern rift and the hydrothermal fields (e.g. International District) and diffuse flow sites and other vents. Credit: M. Elend, University of Washington. The bathymetry is courtesy of D. Caress, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.
The ROV ROPOS gently flew into a small collapse basin marked by pillars, arches and isolated columns of basalt. These areas form as lava drains out from deep lava pools. The surface of the lava lake or channel very rapidly cools as it interacts with near freezing seawater. As the lava drains out, the roof is not strong enough to maintain its weight, and collapses into a pile of talus. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
The ROV ROPOS gently flew into a small collapse basin marked by pillars, arches and isolated columns of basalt. These areas form as lava drains out from deep lava pools. The surface of the lava lake or channel very rapidly cools as it interacts with near freezing seawater. As the lava drains out, the roof is not strong enough to maintain its weight, and collapses into a pile of talus. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Arches capped by glassy basalts remain in a collapsed lava lake at the summit of Axial seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V17.
Arches capped by glassy basalts remain in a collapsed lava lake at the summit of Axial seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V17.
Basaltic arches mark a zone of collapse in flow channels from the April eruption at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Basaltic arches mark a zone of collapse in flow channels from the April eruption at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
"Bathtub" rings mark the egress of lava in collapsed lava lake from the 2011 eruption in Axial Caldera. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V17.
"Bathtub" rings mark the egress of lava in collapsed lava lake from the 2011 eruption in Axial Caldera. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V17.
A basaltic pillar stands in a collapsed lava lake from the 2011 eruption in Axial Caldera. "Bathtub rings mark the egress of lava. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V17.
A basaltic pillar stands in a collapsed lava lake from the 2011 eruption in Axial Caldera. "Bathtub rings mark the egress of lava. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V17.
An underwater cave filled with rubble from a collapsed lava lake is capped by glassy flows. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V17.
An underwater cave filled with rubble from a collapsed lava lake is capped by glassy flows. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V17.
Huge, cavernous lava ponds occur throughout areas of Axial Seamount; When the roof of a lava pond collapses, pillar structures that were formed are visible. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/Cssf; V14.
Huge, cavernous lava ponds occur throughout areas of Axial Seamount; When the roof of a lava pond collapses, pillar structures that were formed are visible. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/Cssf; V14.
Cross sectional view of lobate flows and sheet flows on the western wall of Axial Seamouint hosting sea anemones and starfish. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/ROPOS; V22.
Cross sectional view of lobate flows and sheet flows on the western wall of Axial Seamouint hosting sea anemones and starfish. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/ROPOS; V22.
A spider crab explores a small collapse pit floored by glass lava talus on the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI: V20.
A spider crab explores a small collapse pit floored by glass lava talus on the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI: V20.
Tubeworms with red plumes grow on the side of an odd basalt formation formed as part of a fossilized lava lake at the summit of Axial Seamount in 2011. Depth is ~1500 m. UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
Tubeworms with red plumes grow on the side of an odd basalt formation formed as part of a fossilized lava lake at the summit of Axial Seamount in 2011. Depth is ~1500 m. UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
A fossilized whirl in a lava lake that was active during the April 2011 eruption of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
A fossilized whirl in a lava lake that was active during the April 2011 eruption of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
A frozen lava bridge spans collapse zones in what was once a molten lava lake northwest of the vent field known as the International District. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V10.
A frozen lava bridge spans collapse zones in what was once a molten lava lake northwest of the vent field known as the International District. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V10.
Many of the collapse areas have lava pillars that support remnants of the roof that originally covered a lava pond. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1608; V13.
Many of the collapse areas have lava pillars that support remnants of the roof that originally covered a lava pond. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1608; V13.
A rattail fish, over a meter long, swims slowly in a collapsed zone at the summit of Axial Volcano. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF, V13.
A rattail fish, over a meter long, swims slowly in a collapsed zone at the summit of Axial Volcano. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF, V13.
Collapse basins marked by columns, drainback features, and arches are common features in areas where lava ponded and spilled rapidly over the seafloor in 2011. A small, 1-day old chimlet sprouts from the 280°C, gas-rich vent called Dive in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1839; V15.
Collapse basins marked by columns, drainback features, and arches are common features in areas where lava ponded and spilled rapidly over the seafloor in 2011. A small, 1-day old chimlet sprouts from the 280°C, gas-rich vent called Dive in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1839; V15.
A jumbled sheet flow marks rapid effusion of lava at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI: V20.
A jumbled sheet flow marks rapid effusion of lava at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI: V20.
A fossilized lava pond reflects past circulation of melt on the seafloor in a small lava lake. The surface is glass, and fine sediments highight the whirl. VISIONS '13, Leg 4 Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF
A fossilized lava pond reflects past circulation of melt on the seafloor in a small lava lake. The surface is glass, and fine sediments highight the whirl. VISIONS '13, Leg 4 Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF
A beautiful ropey, jumbled sheet flow covers the seafloor at ~1500 m beneath the oceans' surface at the summit of Axial Seamount. The lava was erupted in April 2011. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
A beautiful ropey, jumbled sheet flow covers the seafloor at ~1500 m beneath the oceans' surface at the summit of Axial Seamount. The lava was erupted in April 2011. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
A 'frozen' lava lake is captured by the cameras on the ROV Jason at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
A 'frozen' lava lake is captured by the cameras on the ROV Jason at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Beautiful sheet flow swirl with broken hackly edges. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V13.
Beautiful sheet flow swirl with broken hackly edges. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V13.
Ribbons of lava mark a jumbled sheet flow in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI.V20.
Ribbons of lava mark a jumbled sheet flow in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI.V20.
A Seastar on a sheet flow at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1724; V14.
A Seastar on a sheet flow at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1724; V14.
A glass-coated sheet flow sample recovered on Jason Dive J2-980 from the April 2011 lava flow on Axial Seamount. Credit. Mitch Elend, University of Washington, V17.
A glass-coated sheet flow sample recovered on Jason Dive J2-980 from the April 2011 lava flow on Axial Seamount. Credit. Mitch Elend, University of Washington, V17.
This very glassy basalt was sampled from the April 2011 lava flow by ROPOS from the southeastern side of the caldera on Axial Seamount. The glass forms when the 1200°C melt meets 2°C seawater. Scientists on land will use the glass to date the sample and to study its geochemistry and gas content. Credit: M. Elend, University of Washington. V11.
This very glassy basalt was sampled from the April 2011 lava flow by ROPOS from the southeastern side of the caldera on Axial Seamount. The glass forms when the 1200°C melt meets 2°C seawater. Scientists on land will use the glass to date the sample and to study its geochemistry and gas content. Credit: M. Elend, University of Washington. V11.
Healthy tube worms grow along a venting fracture in the 2011 glassy lava flow at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
Healthy tube worms grow along a venting fracture in the 2011 glassy lava flow at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
A Graneledone octopus lounges on a basalt flow at a water depth of ~1520 m within the caldera of Axial Seamount. This image was taken in 2008 during the INSIGHT08 Expedition using the Tow-Cam system operated by D. Fornari. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V10.
A Graneledone octopus lounges on a basalt flow at a water depth of ~1520 m within the caldera of Axial Seamount. This image was taken in 2008 during the INSIGHT08 Expedition using the Tow-Cam system operated by D. Fornari. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V10.
Black, glassy pillow basalts erupted as part of the April 24th, 2015 event overly older, lightly sedimented flows along the northern rift zone of Axial Seamount. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ROPOS; V15.
Black, glassy pillow basalts erupted as part of the April 24th, 2015 event overly older, lightly sedimented flows along the northern rift zone of Axial Seamount. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ROPOS; V15.
An anchor for an expendable transponder rests atop a pillow basalt flow. The transponder was recovered. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
An anchor for an expendable transponder rests atop a pillow basalt flow. The transponder was recovered. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Frozen fluid lava exits the toe of a pillow basalt on the north face of the >400 ft thick lava flow formed during the 2015 eruption of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V15.
Frozen fluid lava exits the toe of a pillow basalt on the north face of the >400 ft thick lava flow formed during the 2015 eruption of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V15.
Elongate pillow flows with glassy fingers cascade down from the summit of the eruption, which reaches >400 thick. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ROPOS; V15.
Elongate pillow flows with glassy fingers cascade down from the summit of the eruption, which reaches >400 thick. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ROPOS; V15.
Pillow basalts and sedimented lobate flows at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
Pillow basalts and sedimented lobate flows at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
Rat tail fish explore lobate and jumbled lava flows atop Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
Rat tail fish explore lobate and jumbled lava flows atop Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
Beautiful pillow basalts with classic bread crust outer surfaces on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
Beautiful pillow basalts with classic bread crust outer surfaces on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
A frozen ball of lava with a bread crust rind at the summit of Axial Seamount. Small brittle stars call these rocks home. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2246; V22.
A frozen ball of lava with a bread crust rind at the summit of Axial Seamount. Small brittle stars call these rocks home. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2246; V22.
Beautiful striated pillow basalts form a thick flow on the floor of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF, ROPOS Dive R1630; V13
Beautiful striated pillow basalts form a thick flow on the floor of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF, ROPOS Dive R1630; V13
Lightly sedimented pillow flows hosting brittle stars and a coral on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1473; V11.
Lightly sedimented pillow flows hosting brittle stars and a coral on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1473; V11.
Pillow basalts, interspersed with sediment ponds, mark old lava flows on the flanks of Axial Seamount. The rocks and sediment are host to occasional deep sea corals.
Pillow basalts, interspersed with sediment ponds, mark old lava flows on the flanks of Axial Seamount. The rocks and sediment are host to occasional deep sea corals.
AN extension cable crosses lava flows at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V13.
AN extension cable crosses lava flows at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V13.
Overlapping pillow flows are enclosed by islands of sediment along the flanks of Axial Seamount. Credit: NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Overlapping pillow flows are enclosed by islands of sediment along the flanks of Axial Seamount. Credit: NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
A Deep-Sea Cucumber (possibly Pannychia moseleyi) inhabits the lava flows of Axial. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1721; V14.
A Deep-Sea Cucumber (possibly Pannychia moseleyi) inhabits the lava flows of Axial. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1721; V14.
Broken basaltic lava marks a jumbled sheet flow on the east side of Axial Caldera. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI.V20.
Broken basaltic lava marks a jumbled sheet flow on the east side of Axial Caldera. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI.V20.
Thick flow wrapped by the April eruption on the eastern wall of the caldera. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Thick flow wrapped by the April eruption on the eastern wall of the caldera. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
A glimpse into the subsurface biosphere through a small collapse zone. The white material is thick, dense mats of filamentous bacteria and biofilms that hae grown within the new lava flow erupted in April 2011. Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1472; V11.
A glimpse into the subsurface biosphere through a small collapse zone. The white material is thick, dense mats of filamentous bacteria and biofilms that hae grown within the new lava flow erupted in April 2011. Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1472; V11.
A close up view fo the edge of a snowblower vent billowing microbes and microbial produced material from the subseafloor. The biologically produced material and filamentous colonies of single-celled organisms coat the side and walls of a small collapse pit. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1472; V11.
A close up view fo the edge of a snowblower vent billowing microbes and microbial produced material from the subseafloor. The biologically produced material and filamentous colonies of single-celled organisms coat the side and walls of a small collapse pit. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1472; V11.
Black, glassy basalt marks the edge of the new 2011 lava flow on the eastern edge of the caldera. Credity: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Black, glassy basalt marks the edge of the new 2011 lava flow on the eastern edge of the caldera. Credity: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Thick, orange bacterial mats coat 3 month old pillow basalts created during the eruption of Axial Seamount that started April 24th, 2015. Green lasers are 10 cm apart. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS; V15.
Thick, orange bacterial mats coat 3 month old pillow basalts created during the eruption of Axial Seamount that started April 24th, 2015. Green lasers are 10 cm apart. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS; V15.
White, filamentous bacteria thrive in warm fluids being emitted from the 3-month old lava flow on the Northern Rift of Axial Seamount, April 24th, 2015. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS; V15.
White, filamentous bacteria thrive in warm fluids being emitted from the 3-month old lava flow on the Northern Rift of Axial Seamount, April 24th, 2015. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS; V15.
Extinct chimney deposits from stalagmite-like structures on the summit of Axial Seamount in the International District Hydrothermal Field; Credit: UW/NSF/WHOI; V19.
Extinct chimney deposits from stalagmite-like structures on the summit of Axial Seamount in the International District Hydrothermal Field; Credit: UW/NSF/WHOI; V19.
A blob sculpin (Psychrolutes sp.) aka blobfish, at International District on Axial Seamount during VISIONS'20. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
A blob sculpin (Psychrolutes sp.) aka blobfish, at International District on Axial Seamount during VISIONS'20. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
Boiling ~350 fluids issue from the summit of El Guapo, looking like flames in the dark. Credit. UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Boiling ~350 fluids issue from the summit of El Guapo, looking like flames in the dark. Credit. UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
The top of the 16-m tall El Guapo edifice that emits boiling fluids. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1713; V14.
The top of the 16-m tall El Guapo edifice that emits boiling fluids. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1713; V14.
The John Case bent as seen in 2019 on the side of El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
The John Case bent as seen in 2019 on the side of El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
>300°C vent fluids form flame-like structures at the summit of the ~ 55 ft tall hot spring deposit "El Guapo". Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
>300°C vent fluids form flame-like structures at the summit of the ~ 55 ft tall hot spring deposit "El Guapo". Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
Multiple sulfide spires cap the summit of the hydrothermal edifice Inferno in the ASHES hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; Jason Dive R1070; V19.
Multiple sulfide spires cap the summit of the hydrothermal edifice Inferno in the ASHES hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; Jason Dive R1070; V19.
This sulfide chimney, known as Mushroom, rises ~ 4 m (12 ft) above the seafloor. It is located in the ASHES Vent Field and will be the site for deployment of a cabled high definition video camera in 2014 and three-dimensional temperature array, as well as an uncabled vent fluid sampler. Credit: OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1614; V13.
This sulfide chimney, known as Mushroom, rises ~ 4 m (12 ft) above the seafloor. It is located in the ASHES Vent Field and will be the site for deployment of a cabled high definition video camera in 2014 and three-dimensional temperature array, as well as an uncabled vent fluid sampler. Credit: OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1614; V13.
The Mushroom hydrothermal chimney at the ASHES vent field, hosts dense communities of limpets, a variety of worms (palm, tube, scale, sulfide), and filamentous bacteria. The chimney rises ~ 4 m above the seafloor. This mosaic was compiled by M. Elend, University of Washington from several high definition images. Credti: M. Elend, University of Washington.
The Mushroom hydrothermal chimney at the ASHES vent field, hosts dense communities of limpets, a variety of worms (palm, tube, scale, sulfide), and filamentous bacteria. The chimney rises ~ 4 m above the seafloor. This mosaic was compiled by M. Elend, University of Washington from several high definition images. Credti: M. Elend, University of Washington.
The summit of the Mushroom in the ASHES hydrothermal field hosts two small sulfide "chimlets" that form 'horns atop the structure. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
The summit of the Mushroom in the ASHES hydrothermal field hosts two small sulfide "chimlets" that form 'horns atop the structure. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
On July 4, the Regional Cabled Array high definition camera, built by the UW, was reinstalled at the actively venting chimney 'Mushroom' in the ASHES hydrothermal field on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
On July 4, the Regional Cabled Array high definition camera, built by the UW, was reinstalled at the actively venting chimney 'Mushroom' in the ASHES hydrothermal field on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Small back smoker spigots on the summit of the black smoker structure called El Guapo in the International District hydrothermal field. which in 2011 was venting 350°C boiling fluids prior to the seafloor eruption in April 2011. Abundant sulfide worms colonize the young sulfide deposits. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Small back smoker spigots on the summit of the black smoker structure called El Guapo in the International District hydrothermal field. which in 2011 was venting 350°C boiling fluids prior to the seafloor eruption in April 2011. Abundant sulfide worms colonize the young sulfide deposits. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
A shot of the newly installed HD camera lighting up the face of the actively venting Mushroom chimney in the ASHES hydrothermal field. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; V17.
A shot of the newly installed HD camera lighting up the face of the actively venting Mushroom chimney in the ASHES hydrothermal field. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; V17.
LED lights on the high definition camera, built by the Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington, light up a ~1 m tall, young black smoker chimney at the base of the actively venting Mushroom edifice on Axial Seamount (water depth ~1500 m). The image, taken with the ROV Jason, shows the camera being tested by UW engineers during VISIONS16. They were in the Operations Center, located 300 miles to the east at the School of Oceanography. Here, they were commanding/controlling the camera live through the terrestrial and submarine Internet as part of the NSF Cabled Array infrastructure. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V16.
LED lights on the high definition camera, built by the Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington, light up a ~1 m tall, young black smoker chimney at the base of the actively venting Mushroom edifice on Axial Seamount (water depth ~1500 m). The image, taken with the ROV Jason, shows the camera being tested by UW engineers during VISIONS16. They were in the Operations Center, located 300 miles to the east at the School of Oceanography. Here, they were commanding/controlling the camera live through the terrestrial and submarine Internet as part of the NSF Cabled Array infrastructure. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V16.
The UW-APL-built high definition camera lights up the 12-13 ft tall hot spring deposit called Mushroom, nearly 5000 ft beneath the oceans surface at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI,V18.
The UW-APL-built high definition camera lights up the 12-13 ft tall hot spring deposit called Mushroom, nearly 5000 ft beneath the oceans surface at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI,V18.
The new HD camera installed at the Mushroom vent undergoing its first test - lights on. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
The new HD camera installed at the Mushroom vent undergoing its first test - lights on. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
The camera was reinstalled in the ASHES hydrothermal field during Leg 2 of the Cabled Array OOI-NSF VISIONS17 cruise. The structure is ~ 3.5 m tall and covered in tube worms, limpets, scaleworms and palmworms. This camera has a brush on it so that it can clean its 'face' of biofouling. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; V17.
The camera was reinstalled in the ASHES hydrothermal field during Leg 2 of the Cabled Array OOI-NSF VISIONS17 cruise. The structure is ~ 3.5 m tall and covered in tube worms, limpets, scaleworms and palmworms. This camera has a brush on it so that it can clean its 'face' of biofouling. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; V17.
A helathy tubworm bush encases a small chimney adjacent to the Phoenix edifice in ASHES. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF/V15.
A helathy tubworm bush encases a small chimney adjacent to the Phoenix edifice in ASHES. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF/V15.
The El Gordo vent hosts a colorful array of life, as seen in 2022 with ROPOS. Blue ciliates, sulfide worms, tube worms, and bacteria cover the landscape. Friable chimneys of fine grained sulfide and anydrite are actively venting. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF/V22.
The El Gordo vent hosts a colorful array of life, as seen in 2022 with ROPOS. Blue ciliates, sulfide worms, tube worms, and bacteria cover the landscape. Friable chimneys of fine grained sulfide and anydrite are actively venting. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF/V22.
Tube worms thrive on the side of the active >270°C vent called Inferno in the ASHES vent field. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; V19.
Tube worms thrive on the side of the active >270°C vent called Inferno in the ASHES vent field. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; V19.
The summit of the actively venting chimney Inferno in 2013, located in the ASHES hydrothermal field at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V13. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF
The summit of the actively venting chimney Inferno in 2013, located in the ASHES hydrothermal field at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V13. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF
The ROV Jason samples vent fluids at 318°C at the Inferno black smoker chimney at the ASHES vent field at Axial Seamount. Credit: B. Chadwick-OSU/NSF/WHOI.
The ROV Jason samples vent fluids at 318°C at the Inferno black smoker chimney at the ASHES vent field at Axial Seamount. Credit: B. Chadwick-OSU/NSF/WHOI.
The top of Inferno hosts numerous actively venting spires that change yearly. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI: V20
The top of Inferno hosts numerous actively venting spires that change yearly. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI: V20
Millions of limpets surround palm worms thriving on the actively venting structure "Mushroom". Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI: V20.
Millions of limpets surround palm worms thriving on the actively venting structure "Mushroom". Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI: V20.
Actively venting chimneys are common on the summit of the Inferno edifice. The highest temperature, nearly bare sulfide areas are home to abundant sulfide worms. More established sites host tubeworms, scaleworms, and abundant limpets (parasitic chimney on the right). Credit: D. Kelley, University of Washington, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, WHOI, V21.
Actively venting chimneys are common on the summit of the Inferno edifice. The highest temperature, nearly bare sulfide areas are home to abundant sulfide worms. More established sites host tubeworms, scaleworms, and abundant limpets (parasitic chimney on the right). Credit: D. Kelley, University of Washington, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, WHOI, V21.
The base of the actively venting structure 'Mushroom' is covered with tubeworms, blue ciliates, limpets and filamentous bacteria. Credit: UNW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V20.
The base of the actively venting structure 'Mushroom' is covered with tubeworms, blue ciliates, limpets and filamentous bacteria. Credit: UNW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V20.
An active black smoker on the hydrothermal chimney "Mushroom" is surrounded by a dense colony of beautiful tube worms. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF
An active black smoker on the hydrothermal chimney "Mushroom" is surrounded by a dense colony of beautiful tube worms. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF
Dense colonies of tubeworms, limpets and palm worms cover the outer walls of the blacksmoker chimney called Mushroom in the ASHES hydrothermal field on Axial Seamount. Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Dense colonies of tubeworms, limpets and palm worms cover the outer walls of the blacksmoker chimney called Mushroom in the ASHES hydrothermal field on Axial Seamount. Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Very healthy tube worms grow on the face of the hot vent Inferno. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V19.
Very healthy tube worms grow on the face of the hot vent Inferno. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V19.
Beautiful red plumes top the ends of tube worms that are associated with scale worms, limpets and sulfide worms on the Inferno chimney in the ASHES Hydrothermal Field. Credit: D. Kelley, University of Washington, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, WHOI; V21.
Beautiful red plumes top the ends of tube worms that are associated with scale worms, limpets and sulfide worms on the Inferno chimney in the ASHES Hydrothermal Field. Credit: D. Kelley, University of Washington, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, WHOI; V21.
A cluster of tube worms and sulfide worms colonize the 'John Casey' site on El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHIO; V19.
A cluster of tube worms and sulfide worms colonize the 'John Casey' site on El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHIO; V19.
A cluster of healthy tubeworms characterize the John Casey vent on the side of the El Guapo edifice. Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
A cluster of healthy tubeworms characterize the John Casey vent on the side of the El Guapo edifice. Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
Flowmeter taking measurements on the Inferno chimney in ASHES; Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/Jason 2018.
Flowmeter taking measurements on the Inferno chimney in ASHES; Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/Jason 2018.
A cluster of healthy tube worms enclosed by limpets thrive in the International District. The tube worms lack a gut, anus, or mouth, but host endosymbionts that provide their energy. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
A cluster of healthy tube worms enclosed by limpets thrive in the International District. The tube worms lack a gut, anus, or mouth, but host endosymbionts that provide their energy. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
Scale worms on Escargot vent at Axial Seamount are typically pink. The one in the foreground dines on a clam. Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V10.
Scale worms on Escargot vent at Axial Seamount are typically pink. The one in the foreground dines on a clam. Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V10.
A small cluster of blue cilliates intermixed with limpets grow in a diffuse flow site on the the 2011 lava flow at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
A small cluster of blue cilliates intermixed with limpets grow in a diffuse flow site on the the 2011 lava flow at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
The spider crab Macroregonic macrochira is very common at Axial Seamount. Credit:UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1727; V14.
The spider crab Macroregonic macrochira is very common at Axial Seamount. Credit:UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1727; V14.
An octopus species commonly found on RCA dives near Axial Seamount, Graneledone boreopacifica – spotted at eastern flank of Axial Caldera. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V22.
An octopus species commonly found on RCA dives near Axial Seamount, Graneledone boreopacifica – spotted at eastern flank of Axial Caldera. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V22.
A beautiful octopus sits atop a ledge at the base of the hydrothermal vent called Escargot in the International District hydrothermal vent field at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1719; V14.
A beautiful octopus sits atop a ledge at the base of the hydrothermal vent called Escargot in the International District hydrothermal vent field at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1719; V14.
A deep-sea octopus ignores ROPOS at the Escargot hydrothermal vent in the International District vent field at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1723; V14.
A deep-sea octopus ignores ROPOS at the Escargot hydrothermal vent in the International District vent field at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1723; V14.
Octopus on a lava flow in the caldera of Axial Volcano at a depth of ~ 1500 m (nearly 5000 ft beneath the oceans surface). Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V13.
Octopus on a lava flow in the caldera of Axial Volcano at a depth of ~ 1500 m (nearly 5000 ft beneath the oceans surface). Credit; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V13.
A small flapjack octopus (one of the species of the genus Opisthoteuthis) doesn't seem to mind being on camera. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/CSSF, ROPOS Dive R1608, V13.
A small flapjack octopus (one of the species of the genus Opisthoteuthis) doesn't seem to mind being on camera. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/CSSF, ROPOS Dive R1608, V13.
An ~ 4+ft-long rat tail hangs out at the summit of Axial Seamount in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit:UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI;V19.
An ~ 4+ft-long rat tail hangs out at the summit of Axial Seamount in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit:UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI;V19.
Huge, 5 ft-long rattail fish populate the area around the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF/OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1838; V15.
Huge, 5 ft-long rattail fish populate the area around the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF/OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1838; V15.
A blob sculpin resting on the pillow basalts at Axial Caldera, near the International District vent field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF, Dive R2211, V22.
A blob sculpin resting on the pillow basalts at Axial Caldera, near the International District vent field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF, Dive R2211, V22.
Sulkin sulking in the middle of the International District Hydrothermal Field ~ 1500 m beneath the oceans surface. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; Dive J2-1381; V21.
Sulkin sulking in the middle of the International District Hydrothermal Field ~ 1500 m beneath the oceans surface. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; Dive J2-1381; V21.
Roughtail skate sitting on basalt cobbles and sediment at Axial Seamount
This Roughtail skate was photographed by the ROV ROPOS at 1756 m (5761 feet) beneath the ocean's surface on the flank of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1466; V11.
A Deep Sea Skate slowly swims by at the summit of Axial Seamount, 5000 ft beneath the ocean's surface. A small spider crab sits atop an old lava flow to the left of the skate.
A Deep Sea Skate slowly swims by at the summit of Axial Seamount, 5000 ft beneath the ocean's surface. A small spider crab sits atop an old lava flow to the left of the skate. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V13.
A large Fried Egg Jellyfish (Phacellophora cantschatica) hugs the basalts along the floor of Axial Seamount. The jellyfish is likely a 'fried egg' jelly. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1635, V11.
A large Fried Egg Jellyfish (Phacellophora cantschatica) hugs the basalts along the floor of Axial Seamount. The jellyfish is likely a 'fried egg' jelly. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1635, V11.
A scale worm and two small pycnogonids (sea spiders) on oxidized rock surface
Pycnogonids are abundant on many sulfide structures in the vent fields within the caldera of Axial Seamount. These 8-legged arthropods are commonly found in areas where venting has stopped, leaving variably oxidized edifices. Here, they are associated with snails and a small scale worm ~ 1 cm in length. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1836; V15.
Squat Lobster on Escargot vent at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Squat Lobster on Escargot vent at Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Two Squat Lobsters on Escargot vent, Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11
Two Squat Lobsters on Escargot vent, Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11
Ciliate colonies thrive near to the base of one of Axial's hydrothermal vents. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
Ciliate colonies thrive near to the base of one of Axial's hydrothermal vents. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
A novel gas-tight fluid sampler takes a sample of 271°C (~520°F) fluid venting from the Escargot chimney in the International District hydrothermal field on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1713; V14.
A novel gas-tight fluid sampler takes a sample of 271°C (~520°F) fluid venting from the Escargot chimney in the International District hydrothermal field on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1713; V14.
The anhydrite-CO2-rich vent 'Diva" in the International District sprouts numerous fragile chimneys emitting gas-rich fluids with CO2 bubbles in 2022. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V22.
The anhydrite-CO2-rich vent 'Diva" in the International District sprouts numerous fragile chimneys emitting gas-rich fluids with CO2 bubbles in 2022. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V22.
Blue ciliates, tube worms, bacteria, limpets and a single squat lobster are supported by diffusely venting fluids near the base of the sulfide edifice called Escargot. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V22.
Blue ciliates, tube worms, bacteria, limpets and a single squat lobster are supported by diffusely venting fluids near the base of the sulfide edifice called Escargot. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V22.
The small vent site "El Gordo" sprouting actively venting chimneys in the International District vent field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI:V20.
The small vent site "El Gordo" sprouting actively venting chimneys in the International District vent field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI:V20.
The and anhydrite-rich chimlet "Castle" rises from the seafloor. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI:V20.
The and anhydrite-rich chimlet "Castle" rises from the seafloor. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI:V20.
El Gordo, at International District, is a site for Regional Cabled Array instrumentation in 2014. Brown tubes are stressed tubeworms covered in filamentous bacteria. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1719; V14.
El Gordo, at International District, is a site for Regional Cabled Array instrumentation in 2014. Brown tubes are stressed tubeworms covered in filamentous bacteria. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1719; V14.
A temperature-resistivity probe is encased in the venting sulfide-anhydrite-rich chimlet on the side of Escargot. Credit. UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V20
A temperature-resistivity probe is encased in the venting sulfide-anhydrite-rich chimlet on the side of Escargot. Credit. UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V20
Beautiful blue protists and tube worms with red plumes colonize the small venting site "El Gordo" in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
Beautiful blue protists and tube worms with red plumes colonize the small venting site "El Gordo" in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
A small anhydrite-rich chimney rises from the side of the chimney Escargot. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
A small anhydrite-rich chimney rises from the side of the chimney Escargot. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
A small anhydrite-rich chimney rises from the side of the chimney Escargot. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
A small anhydrite-rich chimney rises from the side of the chimney Escargot. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
Jason takes a temperature measurement (left) in the 309°C venting anhydrite- and CO2-rich hot spring called Diva. Oxidized sulfide mineral deposits are to the right. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
Jason takes a temperature measurement (left) in the 309°C venting anhydrite- and CO2-rich hot spring called Diva. Oxidized sulfide mineral deposits are to the right. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
'Chimlets" atop the hydrothermal edifice called Inferno vent 300°C fluids into the near-freezing surrounding ocean water. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V19.
'Chimlets" atop the hydrothermal edifice called Inferno vent 300°C fluids into the near-freezing surrounding ocean water. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V19.
A small, 1-day old chimlet sprouts from the 280°C, gas-rich vent called Dive in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1839; V15.
A small, 1-day old chimlet sprouts from the 280°C, gas-rich vent called Dive in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1839; V15.
Several meter tall active chimneys sprout along a a ridge of sulfide near the summit of the ~40 m tall sulfide edifice discovered during the VISIONS 2011 program. The field was named the Dymond Field after Jack Dymond from Oregon State University. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1474; V11.
Several meter tall active chimneys sprout along a a ridge of sulfide near the summit of the ~40 m tall sulfide edifice discovered during the VISIONS 2011 program. The field was named the Dymond Field after Jack Dymond from Oregon State University. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1474; V11.
The ROV Jason prepares to sample vent fluid from the top of and active sulfide chimney on the Inferno edifice in the ASHES vent field. Credit: W. Chadwick, OSU, NSF-WHOI. 2020.
The ROV Jason prepares to sample vent fluid from the top of and active sulfide chimney on the Inferno edifice in the ASHES vent field. Credit: W. Chadwick, OSU, NSF-WHOI. 2020.
Small sulfide chimneys vent high temperature fluids at the base of the Mushroom sulfide edifice. Dense tubeworm (red plumes), palm worm (brown red plumes), and limpet macrofaunal assemblages completely cover most of the edifice. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF. V13.
Small sulfide chimneys vent high temperature fluids at the base of the Mushroom sulfide edifice. Dense tubeworm (red plumes), palm worm (brown red plumes), and limpet macrofaunal assemblages completely cover most of the edifice. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF. V13.
A newly formed very active venting 'John Casey'site hosts beautiful healthy tubeworms with bright red plumes. A small black beehive chimney releases hot fluids into the near freezing seawater. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
A newly formed very active venting 'John Casey'site hosts beautiful healthy tubeworms with bright red plumes. A small black beehive chimney releases hot fluids into the near freezing seawater. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
The summit of the 9 meter chimney in the International District Hydrothermal Field is covered in a beautiful tubeworm bush, limpets, and blue ciliates. It now hosts two chimlets venting high-temperature clear fluids. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
The summit of the 9 meter chimney in the International District Hydrothermal Field is covered in a beautiful tubeworm bush, limpets, and blue ciliates. It now hosts two chimlets venting high-temperature clear fluids. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
The El Gordo Vent is located in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
The El Gordo Vent is located in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14.
Hundreds of limpets are intermixed with beautiful brown anemones, scale worms, scarce tubeworms, and filamentous bacteria in a diffuse flow site at ASHES hydrothermal field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS dive R2240; V22.
Hundreds of limpets are intermixed with beautiful brown anemones, scale worms, scarce tubeworms, and filamentous bacteria in a diffuse flow site at ASHES hydrothermal field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS dive R2240; V22.
Beautiful blue ciliates (protists) line the base of the hydrothermal vent called El Gordo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1713; V14
Beautiful blue ciliates (protists) line the base of the hydrothermal vent called El Gordo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1713; V14
Beauitful lavender-blue protists thrive at the base of the active chimney 'Mushroom'. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V20.
Beauitful lavender-blue protists thrive at the base of the active chimney 'Mushroom'. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V20.
Unhappy tube worms covered in feathery strands of filamentous bacteria and purple-blue protists cover a small area on the active chimney called Escargot in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
Unhappy tube worms covered in feathery strands of filamentous bacteria and purple-blue protists cover a small area on the active chimney called Escargot in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
Small spigots on the ~4 m tall vent called Mushroom issue clear high temperature fluids. Healthy communities of sulfide worms and tubeworms cover the outer surfaces of the chimney. The tubeworms have no mouth or anus, but their tubes are filled with symbiotic microorganisms that process carbon which sustains the worms. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Small spigots on the ~4 m tall vent called Mushroom issue clear high temperature fluids. Healthy communities of sulfide worms and tubeworms cover the outer surfaces of the chimney. The tubeworms have no mouth or anus, but their tubes are filled with symbiotic microorganisms that process carbon which sustains the worms. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
A close up of animals, including palm worms and tubeworms, on the hydrothermal chimney called Mushroom in the ASHES hydrothermal field. The image is a frame grab from video streamed during testing of the OOI-RCA high-definition video camera built by the Applied Physics Lab at the University of Washington. The camera has been at this site for 1 year. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/ V14.
A close up of animals, including palm worms and tubeworms, on the hydrothermal chimney called Mushroom in the ASHES hydrothermal field. The image is a frame grab from video streamed during testing of the OOI-RCA high-definition video camera built by the Applied Physics Lab at the University of Washington. The camera has been at this site for 1 year. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/ V14.
Beautiful purple-blue ciliates, white filamentous bacteria and tube worms with red hemoglobin-filled plumes, and limpets colonize the outside of the Mushroom edifice at ASHES. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
Beautiful purple-blue ciliates, white filamentous bacteria and tube worms with red hemoglobin-filled plumes, and limpets colonize the outside of the Mushroom edifice at ASHES. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI V20.
Small bubbles are emitted from the anhydrite - sulfide chimney 'Diva' in the International District Hydrothermal Field. The vent fluids are extremely enriched in carbon dioxide. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2210; V22.
Small bubbles are emitted from the anhydrite - sulfide chimney 'Diva' in the International District Hydrothermal Field. The vent fluids are extremely enriched in carbon dioxide. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2210; V22.
A high temperature data logger resides in the orifice of the 309°C anhydite-rich little chimney called Diva. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
A high temperature data logger resides in the orifice of the 309°C anhydite-rich little chimney called Diva. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
A beautiful anydrite chimney sprouts from the base of the Castle edifice in the International District Hydrothermal Field at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2246; V22.
A beautiful anydrite chimney sprouts from the base of the Castle edifice in the International District Hydrothermal Field at the summit of Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2246; V22.
New black smoker in John Casey venting site on El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI;V19.
New black smoker in John Casey venting site on El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI;V19.
The summit of El Guapo continues to vigorously vent high temperature fluids. The fluids reach temperatures of 350°C. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980, V17.
The summit of El Guapo continues to vigorously vent high temperature fluids. The fluids reach temperatures of 350°C. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980, V17.
A rattail fish, 1500 m water depth, investigates the ROV Jason looking at a small chimney complex by the 16 m-tall chimney called El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
A rattail fish, 1500 m water depth, investigates the ROV Jason looking at a small chimney complex by the 16 m-tall chimney called El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Streams of super heated hydrothermal fluids issue from the summit of the hot spring deposit "El Guapo". Sulfide worms colonize warm parts of the outer walls, supported by nutrients in the fluids. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
Streams of super heated hydrothermal fluids issue from the summit of the hot spring deposit "El Guapo". Sulfide worms colonize warm parts of the outer walls, supported by nutrients in the fluids. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
Organisms colonize the outer walls of the 16 m-tall hydrothermal edifice called El Guapo. The community structure changes with height above seafloor. Here, limpets, red scale worms and blue protists (ciliates) colonize the outer sulfide walls of the structure. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Organisms colonize the outer walls of the 16 m-tall hydrothermal edifice called El Guapo. The community structure changes with height above seafloor. Here, limpets, red scale worms and blue protists (ciliates) colonize the outer sulfide walls of the structure. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Palm Worms at top of El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Palm Worms at top of El Guapo. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V11.
Ciliates, purple single-celled Protists, colonize the base of Escargot hydrothermal vent. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI//CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1719; V14.
Ciliates, purple single-celled Protists, colonize the base of Escargot hydrothermal vent. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI//CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1719; V14.
Purple protists, ciliates, on hydrothermal sulfide structure in the International District. White bacterial mats outline diffuse flow cracks
Purple protists, ciliates, on hydrothermal sulfide structure in the International District. White bacterial mats outline diffuse flow cracks. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS DIve R1617; V13.
Beautiful colonies of purple blue protists colonize the Tiny Towers site in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit. UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
Beautiful colonies of purple blue protists colonize the Tiny Towers site in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit. UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
ROCLS gently sets down on the seafloor in preparation for deployment at an ~ 5 km long extension cable to the Central Caldera site at the summit of Axial Seamount. Over 15,000 feet of cable is hosted on the drum. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14.
ROCLS gently sets down on the seafloor in preparation for deployment at an ~ 5 km long extension cable to the Central Caldera site at the summit of Axial Seamount. Over 15,000 feet of cable is hosted on the drum. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14.
The cabled digital still camera lights up the Tiny Towers vent site, covered in blue ciliates, worms and bacterial mats. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
The cabled digital still camera lights up the Tiny Towers vent site, covered in blue ciliates, worms and bacterial mats. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
The HD video camera records changes in the Mushroom hydrothermal vent in the ASHES vent field on Axial Seamount. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF, Dive R2249, V22
The HD video camera records changes in the Mushroom hydrothermal vent in the ASHES vent field on Axial Seamount. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF, Dive R2249, V22
This triangular object is a 3D temperature array: 4 stacked arrays with 24 independent temperature measurement points, providing a three-dimensional distribution of temperature flow across the seafloor at ASHES vent field on Axial Seamount. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF, Dive R2249, V22
This triangular object is a 3D temperature array: 4 stacked arrays with 24 independent temperature measurement points, providing a three-dimensional distribution of temperature flow across the seafloor at ASHES vent field on Axial Seamount. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF, Dive R2249, V22
The digital still camera at the Tiny Village site is covered in filamentous bacteria after a year-long deployment. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V20.
The digital still camera at the Tiny Village site is covered in filamentous bacteria after a year-long deployment. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI. V20.
A beautiful young chimney composed of anhydrite and fine-grained metal sulfide minerals sprouts from the side of the Escargot edifice, venting ~ 300°C fluids. A temperature - chlorinity instrument is installed in the orifice, with the growing chimney enclosing it. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
A beautiful young chimney composed of anhydrite and fine-grained metal sulfide minerals sprouts from the side of the Escargot edifice, venting ~ 300°C fluids. A temperature - chlorinity instrument is installed in the orifice, with the growing chimney enclosing it. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
The broadband seismometer and hydrophone being installed at the Central Caldera site on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14
The broadband seismometer and hydrophone being installed at the Central Caldera site on Axial Seamount. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; V14
A CTD, funded by and NSF-award to Dr. William Chadwick (OSU) is installed on a thick sheet flow at the Central Caldera site at the summit of Axial Seamount. A suite of CTD's is installed on the array to examine the hypothesis that subsurface brines are ejected into the water column during eruptions (e.g. in 2015). Credit: W. Chadwick, OSU; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2212, V22.
A CTD, funded by and NSF-award to Dr. William Chadwick (OSU) is installed on a thick sheet flow at the Central Caldera site at the summit of Axial Seamount. A suite of CTD's is installed on the array to examine the hypothesis that subsurface brines are ejected into the water column during eruptions (e.g. in 2015). Credit: W. Chadwick, OSU; UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2212, V22.
Ash (glass shards) rest atop a leveling component on the bottom pressure tilt instrument at the Central Caldera site. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF. V15
Ash (glass shards) rest atop a leveling component on the bottom pressure tilt instrument at the Central Caldera site. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF. V15
The head of an instrument, built by W. Seyfried and K. Ding, which measures temperature, pH, and H2S is inserted into 309°C flow issuing from the vent called Diva. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
The head of an instrument, built by W. Seyfried and K. Ding, which measures temperature, pH, and H2S is inserted into 309°C flow issuing from the vent called Diva. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V19.
During ROPOS Dive R1729, a digital-still camera (left), a mass spectrometer (middle) and a fluid- and microbial-DNA sampler (right) were installed in the International District Hydrothermal Field at the vent called El Gordo. A titanium 'hat' rests on top of the structure in a tubeworm and limpet patch. Inside the hat are temperature probes and intake nozzles for the fluid and DNA sampler. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1729; V14.
During ROPOS Dive R1729, a digital-still camera (left), a mass spectrometer (middle) and a fluid- and microbial-DNA sampler (right) were installed in the International District Hydrothermal Field at the vent called El Gordo. A titanium 'hat' rests on top of the structure in a tubeworm and limpet patch. Inside the hat are temperature probes and intake nozzles for the fluid and DNA sampler. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1729; V14.
A titanium isobaric gas-tight sampler (IGT) is used to sample fluids with dissolved gases in a high temperature vent on the El Gordo metal sulfide chimney located in the International District Hydrothermal Field at ~ 1500 m water depth on Axial Seamount. The base of the cabled RAS fluid sampler and microbial DNA sampler mooring is in the background. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V16.
A titanium isobaric gas-tight sampler (IGT) is used to sample fluids with dissolved gases in a high temperature vent on the El Gordo metal sulfide chimney located in the International District Hydrothermal Field at ~ 1500 m water depth on Axial Seamount. The base of the cabled RAS fluid sampler and microbial DNA sampler mooring is in the background. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI; V16.
An osmotic fluid sampler is installed in a diffuse flow site in the ASHES hydrothermal field at the summit of Axial Seamount. It samples fluids for 1-year, providing time-series geochemistry. A round "lid" allows sampling of fluids less mixed with seawater. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS dive R2240; V22.
An osmotic fluid sampler is installed in a diffuse flow site in the ASHES hydrothermal field at the summit of Axial Seamount. It samples fluids for 1-year, providing time-series geochemistry. A round "lid" allows sampling of fluids less mixed with seawater. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS dive R2240; V22.
The digital still camera visited during the RCA 2022 expedition is covered in filamentous bacteria, thriving on diffuse flowing fluids. The camera is at the Tiny Towers vent site in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2246, V22.
The digital still camera visited during the RCA 2022 expedition is covered in filamentous bacteria, thriving on diffuse flowing fluids. The camera is at the Tiny Towers vent site in the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R2246, V22.
Billions of microbes and microbial-produced material stream from a collapsed lava zone 3 months following the 2011 eruption. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF-ROPOS.
Billions of microbes and microbial-produced material stream from a collapsed lava zone 3 months following the 2011 eruption. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF-ROPOS.