Unknown diatom species

Skeleton of Asteromphalus heptactis

Plankton above Axial Seamount

Ceratium lineatum found above Axial Seamount

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.

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.

Gelatinous biological communities form bulbous deposits within the Bag City venting area.

This shrunken head and cup sit alongside a regular-sized styrofoam coffee cup - their small stature is the result of experiencing 150 times the pressure we experience on land.

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.

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R/V Thompson, close-up

Martha helping out with the CTD

R/V Thompson from afar

Cody and Matt in the small boat

R/V Thompson, side view

R/V Thompson

Basaltic arches mark a zone of collapse in flow channels from the April eruption at Axial Seamount. 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.

The Thompson from water level

Cody, Matt, and Brendan enjoying the sunshine

Small boat operations

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The Candadian ROV ROPOS recovers Sensorbots from the ASHES hydrothermal field.

Spider crabs are very sensitive to vibrations. This one, at 5000 feet beneath the ocean's surface at Axial Seamount investigated a monkey fist on a piece of equipment on the Canadian ROV ROPOS.

A Flathead Sculpin (Psychrolutes phrictus) hovers in the caldera at Axial Seamount at a water depth of nearly 5000 feet beneath the ocean's surface. Credit: UW/NSF-OOI/CSSF; ROPOS Dive R1470; V11.

ROPOS prepares to cut parachute cord that was attached to an expendable transponder. The transponder was recovered aboard the R/V Thompson.