Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Mineral-laden water emerging from a hydrothermal vent

Detailed Description

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.”  

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.