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![Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition expl0109.jpg Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/https/s3.amazonaws.com/s3-east-testmedia-noaa.woc.noaa.gov/dam/Photos/legacy/pl23_expl0109.jpg?itok=Xh9O2wUT)
Description
Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition. Yellow and orange microbial mats formingbioreactor mound with a thin crust and small chimneys on top. The crustyouter coating acts as a thermal blanket to elevate internal temperaturefrom diffuse venting and help retain reduced microbial nutrients.This mound is approximately 1 meter (3 ft) across. (Image credit: Pacific Ring of Fire 2004 Expedition. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration; Dr. Bob Embley, NOAA PMEL, Chief Scientist)