All Images
News Release 12-147
Scientists Define New Limits of Microbial Life in Undersea Volcanoes
A third of Earth's organisms live in rocks and sediments, but their lives have been a mystery
This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.
Hydrothermal vent field at Axial Volcano seen through the porthole of the submersible Alvin.
Credit: Mark Spear/WHOI
Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (1.7 MB)
Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.
Hydrothermal sulfide spire at Endeavor Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge in the Pacific Ocean.
Credit: Bruce Strickrott/WHOI
Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (4.8 MB)
Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.
Alvin extends its mechanical arm to a high-temperature black smoker at Endeavor Segment.
Credit: Bruce Strickrott/WHOI
Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (5.1 MB)
Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.
Scientists James Holden (left), Helene Ver Eecke with Alvin pilot Bruce Strickrott in The Deep.
Credit: Bruce Strickrott/WHOI
Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (4.1 MB)
Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.
Researcher Helene Ver Eecke with a hydrothermal vent sample, aboard the ship Atlantis.
Credit: James Holden/UMass-Amherst
Download the high-resolution JPG version of the image. (3.4 MB)
Use your mouse to right-click (Mac users may need to Ctrl-click) the link above and choose the option that will save the file or target to your computer.