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Tough Neighborhood

March 10, 2014

The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Jason takes a sample of hydrothermal fluids from a location known as Shrimp Gulley at the Piccard Hydrothermal Field on the Mid-Cayman Rise. The clear fluids measured up to 111°C (232°F) and dilute rapidly with ambient seawater at 4°C (39°F) in the deep ocean. However, because circulation is sluggish in the tight gulley, a healthy community of shrimp (background) and anemones are able to find sufficient food and heat to thrive. (Photo by Chris German and the Jason Group, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)