Image 8-3
Smoking Chimneys

This image of active smoking chimneys was captured by NOAA photographers near the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. These hydrothermal vents are precipitating iron, copper and zinc sulfides from super hot fluid at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). These structures are 30 feet (9 meters) tall from the base to the top of the chimneys seen in the photograph. Dark beehive-type chimneys, here about 11 inches (30 centimeters) tall, can commonly be seen sitting on top of these structures.