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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)