Environments Image Gallery

Red Plumes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
Beautiful sheet flow swirl with broken hackly edges. VISIONS '13, Leg 4 Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
Beautiful sheet flow swirl with broken hackly edges. VISIONS '13, Leg 4 Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Columns in a collapsed area that once hosted a lava lake are reminiscent of an ancient city. Rings mark lowering of the lake as lava drained out. Fossilized drips of lava are preserved hanging from the ceiling. A rattail fish explores the site. This is part of the 2011 eruption at Axial. Credit: UW/OO-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
Columns in a collapsed area that once hosted a lava lake are reminiscent of an ancient city. Rings mark lowering of the lake as lava drained out. Fossilized drips of lava are preserved hanging from the ceiling. A rattail fish explores the site. This is part of the 2011 eruption at Axial. Credit: UW/OO-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
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. NSF-OOI/UW/ISS; 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. NSF-OOI/UW/ISS; Dive R1839; V15.
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.  
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.  
Many of the collapse areas have lava pillars that support remnants of the roof that originally covered a lava pond. (VISIONS '13 Dive R-1608) Photo credit:  OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF
Many of the collapse areas have lava pillars that support remnants of the roof that originally covered a lava pond. (VISIONS '13 Dive R-1608) Photo credit:  OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF
Collapse basin, which once contained molten basalt, host a small colony of tube worms. Molten 1200°C, basaltic melt commonly forms pools in the subsurface. The top of the lava-filled pool "freezes" and crusts over with crystalline material as it rapidly cools against the overlying 2°C ocean water. Bathtub-like rings form when the melt drains out to other areas on the seafloor. Following drain-backs the roof is not strong enough to support its weight and the roof collapses to the floor of the basin.
Collapse basin, which once contained molten basalt, host a small colony of tube worms. Molten 1200°C, basaltic melt commonly forms pools in the subsurface. The top of the lava-filled pool "freezes" and crusts over with crystalline material as it rapidly cools against the overlying 2°C ocean water. Bathtub-like rings form when the melt drains out to other areas on the seafloor. Following drain-backs the roof is not strong enough to support its weight and the roof collapses to the floor of the basin.
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. 
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. 
A small collapse zone north of the International District Hydrothermal Field showing characteristic bathtub rings and talus rubble that is the remanents of the roof.
A small collapse zone north of the International District Hydrothermal Field showing characteristic bathtub rings and talus rubble that is the remanents of the roof.
Basaltic arches mark a zone of collapse in flow channels from the April eruption at Axial Volcano
Basaltic arches mark a zone of collapse in flow channels from the April eruption at Axial Volcano
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.
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.
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 organims coat the side and walls of a small collapse pit.
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 organims coat the side and walls of a small collapse pit.
A rattail fish, over a meter long, swims slowly in a collapsed zone at the summit of Axial Volcano. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
A rattail fish, over a meter long, swims slowly in a collapsed zone at the summit of Axial Volcano. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
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.
Thick, orange bacterial mats coat 3 month old pillow basalts ceated during the eruption of Axial Seamount that started April 24th, 2015. Green lasers are 10 cm apart. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ROPOS; V15.
Thick, orange bacterial mats coat 3 month old pillow basalts ceated during the eruption of Axial Seamount that started April 24th, 2015. Green lasers are 10 cm apart. 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.
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.
A large Fried Egg Jelly (Phacellophora cantschatica) hugs the basalts along the floor of Axial Volcano. VISIONS '13, Leg 4. The jellyfish is likely a 'fried egg' jelly. VISIONS '13, Leg 4. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
A large Fried Egg Jelly (Phacellophora cantschatica) hugs the basalts along the floor of Axial Volcano. VISIONS '13, Leg 4. The jellyfish is likely a 'fried egg' jelly. VISIONS '13, Leg 4. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
Beautiful striated pillow basalts form a thick flow on the floor of Axial Volcano. VISIONS '13, Leg 4 Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
Beautiful striated pillow basalts form a thick flow on the floor of Axial Volcano. VISIONS '13, Leg 4 Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
This orange, secondary cable was laid about one week ago by ROPOS. The image, taken during the cable inspection portion of Dive 1608, shows the cable on top of pillow basalts on the seafloor at Axial Volcano. Photo credit: OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF
This orange, secondary cable was laid about one week ago by ROPOS. The image, taken during the cable inspection portion of Dive 1608, shows the cable on top of pillow basalts on the seafloor at Axial Volcano. Photo credit: OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF
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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.
Overlapping pillow flows are enclosed by islands of sediment along the flanks of Axial Volcano
Overlapping pillow flows are enclosed by islands of sediment along the flanks of Axial Volcano
An anchor for an expendable transponder rests atop a pillow basalt flow. The transponder was recovered.
An anchor for an expendable transponder rests atop a pillow basalt flow. The transponder was recovered.
A small "dumbo" octopus (one of the species of the genus Grimpoteuthis) doesn't seem to mind being on camera. (VISIONS '13 Dive R-1608) Photo credit:  OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF
A small "dumbo" octopus (one of the species of the genus Grimpoteuthis) doesn't seem to mind being on camera. (VISIONS '13 Dive R-1608) Photo credit:  OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF
The ROV Jason looks into the remnants of where a lava pond once formed. Most of the roof has subsequently collaped. Water depthe here is ~ 1500 m. UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
The ROV Jason looks into the remnants of where a lava pond once formed. Most of the roof has subsequently collaped. Water depthe here is ~ 1500 m. UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
Tube worms 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.
Tube worms 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.
During Jason Dive J2-980, the remnants of multiple lava lakes from the April 2011 eruption of Axial Seamount were encountered. The bathtub rings mark the progressive lowering of the "lake". Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
During Jason Dive J2-980, the remnants of multiple lava lakes from the April 2011 eruption of Axial Seamount were encountered. The bathtub rings mark the progressive lowering of the "lake". Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; J2-980; V17.
A Deep Sea Skate slowly swims by at the summit of Axial Volcano, 5000 ft beneath the ocean's surface. A small spider crab sits atop an old lava flow to the left of the skate. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V13
A Deep Sea Skate slowly swims by at the summit of Axial Volcano, 5000 ft beneath the ocean's surface. A small spider crab sits atop an old lava flow to the left of the skate. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V13
This octopus, nicknamed the "Dumbo Octopus," was seen on these pillow basalts at the summit of Axial's eastern caldera, during Dive ROPOS dive R1608. Photo credit: OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF 
This octopus, nicknamed the "Dumbo Octopus," was seen on these pillow basalts at the summit of Axial's eastern caldera, during Dive ROPOS dive R1608. Photo credit: OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF 
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Huge, 5 ft-long rattail fish populate the area aroung the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: NSF/OOI/UW/ISS; R1838; V15
Huge, 5 ft-long rattail fish populate the area aroung the International District Hydrothermal Field. Credit: NSF/OOI/UW/ISS; R1838; V15
A marker on basalt at ASHES hydrothermal vent field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
A marker on basalt at ASHES hydrothermal vent field. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
This Deep-Sea cucumber (Holothurian) is likely of the genus Pannychia, possibly Pannychia moseleyi. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1724; V14
This Deep-Sea cucumber (Holothurian) is likely of the genus Pannychia, possibly Pannychia moseleyi. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1724; V14
A cable that will link an instrument to a Secondary Node is buoyant enough so that it easily spans across a large collapse area without danger of abrasion. (VISIONS '13 Dive R-1611) Photo credit:  OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF
A cable that will link an instrument to a Secondary Node is buoyant enough so that it easily spans across a large collapse area without danger of abrasion. (VISIONS '13 Dive R-1611) Photo credit:  OOI-NSF/UW/CSSF
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: NSF-OOI/UW/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: NSF-OOI/UW/ROPOS; V15.
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.
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.
Pyconogonids are abundant on many sulfide structures in the vent fields within the caldera of Axial Seamount. These 8-legged anthropods are commonly found in areas where venting has stopped, leaving variably oxidized edificies. Here, they are associated with snails an a small scale worm ~ 1" in legth. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ISS; Dive R1836; V15.
Pyconogonids are abundant on many sulfide structures in the vent fields within the caldera of Axial Seamount. These 8-legged anthropods are commonly found in areas where venting has stopped, leaving variably oxidized edificies. Here, they are associated with snails an a small scale worm ~ 1" in legth. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ISS; Dive R1836; V15.
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The thermistor array will be deployed at the base of the hydrothermal vent Mushroom, on the lower right side of this image on top of the yellow incubators.
The thermistor array will be deployed at the base of the hydrothermal vent Mushroom, on the lower right side of this image on top of the yellow incubators.
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. VISIONS '13, Leg 4 Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
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. VISIONS '13, Leg 4 Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF.
Tubeworms, sulfide worms and scale worms colonize the summit of El Guapo chimney, which vents 350°C boiling fluids. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Tubeworms, sulfide worms and scale worms colonize the summit of El Guapo chimney, which vents 350°C boiling fluids. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
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.
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.
The Hydrothermal Vent Fluid Resistivity and Temperature probe (TRHPHA301) was placed at the base of the vent called 'Escargot' in 2014. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1729; V14. 
The Hydrothermal Vent Fluid Resistivity and Temperature probe (TRHPHA301) was placed at the base of the vent called 'Escargot' in 2014. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1729; V14. 
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Inferno Hydrothermal Vent, 2018  Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Inferno Hydrothermal Vent, 2018  Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
The orifice at the base of the hydrothermal chimney called Mushroom is marked by a strong jet of high temperature hydrothermal fluid. Sulfide worms, scale worms and limpets are bathed in a mixture of the high temperature fluid and seawater. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
The orifice at the base of the hydrothermal chimney called Mushroom is marked by a strong jet of high temperature hydrothermal fluid. Sulfide worms, scale worms and limpets are bathed in a mixture of the high temperature fluid and seawater. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Ciliate colonies thrive near to the base of one of Axial's hydrothermal vents. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14
Ciliate colonies thrive near to the base of one of Axial's hydrothermal vents. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14
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.
Once again the Smokey Caverns (or Taverns as it is also known) has changed remarkably since we visited it with Jason last year. The area is significantly more rugged, marked by large hummocks. An eelpout, sole, clams and orange rock fish dot the landscape. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Once again the Smokey Caverns (or Taverns as it is also known) has changed remarkably since we visited it with Jason last year. The area is significantly more rugged, marked by large hummocks. An eelpout, sole, clams and orange rock fish dot the landscape. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Screen capture from the digital still camera at Einsteins' Grotto showing active bubble plumes and Jason onlooking. Credit: University of Washington
Screen capture from the digital still camera at Einsteins' Grotto showing active bubble plumes and Jason onlooking. Credit: University of Washington
The opening to the methane vent called Einstein's Grotto has grown significantly larger since 2013. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1750; V14.  
The opening to the methane vent called Einstein's Grotto has grown significantly larger since 2013. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1750; V14.  
A nascent collapse zone formed since last year. ROPOS found this site by seeing bubble plumes >100 m off bottom with their sonar. Following the plume to the seafloor led us to this collapse zone. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ISS, V15.
A nascent collapse zone formed since last year. ROPOS found this site by seeing bubble plumes >100 m off bottom with their sonar. Following the plume to the seafloor led us to this collapse zone. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ISS, V15.
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Einstein's Grotto, located at the summit of Southern Hydrate Ridge, is a main target site for installation of cabled chemical and biological sensors in 2014. The area hosts extensive white bacterial mats and was a site of vigorous venting of large methane bubbles. This image was taken in 2011, showing water sampling bottles on the arm of the Canadian robotic vehicle ROPOS.
Einstein's Grotto, located at the summit of Southern Hydrate Ridge, is a main target site for installation of cabled chemical and biological sensors in 2014. The area hosts extensive white bacterial mats and was a site of vigorous venting of large methane bubbles. This image was taken in 2011, showing water sampling bottles on the arm of the Canadian robotic vehicle ROPOS.
Clams are commonly found at the summit of Southern Hydrate Ridge surrounding areas of white bacterial mat. 
Clams are commonly found at the summit of Southern Hydrate Ridge surrounding areas of white bacterial mat. 
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Einsteins Grotto, the active methane seep first visited by the UW in 2010, continues to surprise us - this year, multiple bubble streams were issuing from the pit and exposed methane hydrate was documented in the sides of the wall. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Einsteins Grotto, the active methane seep first visited by the UW in 2010, continues to surprise us - this year, multiple bubble streams were issuing from the pit and exposed methane hydrate was documented in the sides of the wall. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V18.
Microbial mats cover expansive areas of the Smokey Caverns site, which hosted exposed gas hydrate in 2017. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI: V19.
Microbial mats cover expansive areas of the Smokey Caverns site, which hosted exposed gas hydrate in 2017. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI: V19.
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The Neptunea nursery in 2015 was devoid of tending snails on top of the egg stalks. Recovery of the stalks showed that the eggs are still viable. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ISS, Dive R1845, V15.
The Neptunea nursery in 2015 was devoid of tending snails on top of the egg stalks. Recovery of the stalks showed that the eggs are still viable. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ISS, Dive R1845, V15.
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Hagfish (purple), red rockfish, crabs, and hermit crabs wander within the nusery for Neptunea snails laying eggs that form yellow stocks on carbonate cobbles. Southern Hydrate Ridge. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1766; V14.  
Hagfish (purple), red rockfish, crabs, and hermit crabs wander within the nusery for Neptunea snails laying eggs that form yellow stocks on carbonate cobbles. Southern Hydrate Ridge. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1766; V14.  
Soft corals bend in the currents at the edge of a bacterial mat. Here, live clams with symbionts thrive in the methane and hydrogen sulfide-rich fluids. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1773; V14.  
Soft corals bend in the currents at the edge of a bacterial mat. Here, live clams with symbionts thrive in the methane and hydrogen sulfide-rich fluids. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive R1773; V14.  
A rockfish and starfish are intermixed with clams near a bacterial mat on the methane seep site, Southern Hydrate Ridge during ROPOS Dive R1850. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ISS, V15.
A rockfish and starfish are intermixed with clams near a bacterial mat on the methane seep site, Southern Hydrate Ridge during ROPOS Dive R1850. Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/ISS, V15.
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The Pom-Pom Anemone actually looks like a pom-pom. The anemone does not attach to any substrate, and it has the ability to roll along the sea floor like tumbleweed because ocean currents propel it. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive 1765; V14
The Pom-Pom Anemone actually looks like a pom-pom. The anemone does not attach to any substrate, and it has the ability to roll along the sea floor like tumbleweed because ocean currents propel it. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive 1765; V14
Rockfish, pink soft corals, blue-purple hagfish, clams and starfish thrive around seep environments that host white bacterial mats. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; V17.
Rockfish, pink soft corals, blue-purple hagfish, clams and starfish thrive around seep environments that host white bacterial mats. Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; V17.
A rattail fish (aka Grenadier) at the Slope Base site, with parasitic copepods attached to its back. Photo Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V19
A rattail fish (aka Grenadier) at the Slope Base site, with parasitic copepods attached to its back. Photo Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/WHOI, V19
During our cable survey at the Axial Base site we observed a rattail swimming towards a large sea star, near a large aggregation of ophiuroids (brittle stars). Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF, Dive 1736, V14
During our cable survey at the Axial Base site we observed a rattail swimming towards a large sea star, near a large aggregation of ophiuroids (brittle stars). Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF, Dive 1736, V14
Brittle stars (Ophiuroids) are very common in the sediments at the base of Axial Seamount, 2609 meters deep.  (credit: NSF-OOI/US/CSSF)
Brittle stars (Ophiuroids) are very common in the sediments at the base of Axial Seamount, 2609 meters deep.  (credit: NSF-OOI/US/CSSF)