Mineral-laden water emerging from a hydrothermal vent (IMAGE)

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University

Mineral-laden water emerging from a hydrothermal vent

Caption

Mineral-laden water emerging from a hydrothermal vent on the Niua underwater volcano in the Lau Basin, southwest Pacific Ocean. As the water cools, minerals precipitate to form tower-like “chimneys.” Image taken during 2016 cruise “Virtual Vents.”

Credit

Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center.

Usage Restrictions

No restrictions.

License

Public Domain

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