Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition. Thick orange bacterial mat found near the summit of Northwest Eifuku volcano grow where warm hydrothermal vent fluids seep out of the seamount. The orange color reflects the fact that iron is coming out in the vent fluids.

Image ID: expl0062, 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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