Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition. "Bacteria Balls" forming on the left and and rolling down hill on the right. These microbial mats are similar in composition to those as seen at the Yellow Top Vent site. The balls range from 1 to 5 cm (~1 in) in diameter.

Image ID: expl0020, 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

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