Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition. The experiment to observe the change in phase of the bubbles collected at Champagne vent site. What began as just solid carbon dioxide hydrate (clathrate) and water on the seafloor , at this depth (300 m) is converting to gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid water - due to the decrease in pressure as the submersible ascends.

Image ID: expl0037, 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

• High Resolution Photo Available