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News Release 09-243
Marine Scientists Discover Deepest Undersea Erupting Volcano
Spectacular West Mata Volcano shown in newly released video, images
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![Photo of an explosion of ash and rock at the West Mata Volcano with molten lava glowing below.](/news/mmg/media/images/west_mata1_f.jpg)
An explosion at the West Mata Volcano throws ash and rock, with molten lava glowing below.
Credit: NSF/NOAA
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Bubbles of gas-rich magma burst, spewing lava fragments into the water.
Credit: National Science Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
A sequence of closer views of the eruption, with bright flashes of hot magma.
Credit: National Science Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
![Photo of shrimp congregating in hot, acid waters near the summit of West Mata Volcano.](/news/mmg/media/images/west_mata2_f.jpg)
Shrimp congregate near the summit of West Mata Volcano, withstanding hot, acid waters.
Credit: NSF/NOAA
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![Photo of an eruptive blast at West Mata Volcano, with superheated pillow lava flowing downslope.](/news/mmg/media/images/west_mata3_f.jpg)
An eruptive blast at West Mata Volcano, with superheated pillow lava flowing downslope.
Credit: NSF/NOAA
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![Photo of a bright flash of hot magma blown up into the water before settling back to the seafloor.](/news/mmg/media/images/west_mata4_f.jpg)
A bright flash of hot magma is blown up into the water before settling back to the seafloor.
Credit: NSF/NOAA
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![Photo showing the orange glow of magma in an eruptive area along the summit.](/news/mmg/media/images/west_mata5_f.jpg)
The orange glow of magma in an eruptive area the length of a football field along the summit.
Credit: NSF/NOAA
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![Photo of superheated molten lava, about 2200 degrees Fahrenheit, about to explode into the water.](/news/mmg/media/images/west_mata6_f.jpg)
Superheated molten lava, about 2200 degrees Fahrenheit, is about to explode into the water.
Credit: NSF/NOAA
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![Photo showing a pillow lava tube extending downslope in an area about three feet across.](/news/mmg/media/images/west_mata7_f.jpg)
A pillow lava tube extends downslope in an area about three feet across.
Credit: NSF/NOAA
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