Deep-Sea Biodiversity (broadcast Friday, October 12th, 2007)

An underwater eruption at NW Rota captured by the ROV Jason during an expedition to the Mariana Arc. NOAA Ocean Explorer

In this segment, thirty-thousand species under the sea: the amazing diversity of bacteria at hydrothermal vents. Researchers conducting a survey of DNA from deep-sea samples have discovered thousands of new kinds of marine microbes at two deep-sea hydrothermal vents off the Oregon coast. Many of the bacteria had never been reported before. We'll talk with one of the scientists involved about the work, and what it might tell us about life elsewhere in the world. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests

Julie Huber
Assistant Scientist Marine Biological Laboratory Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Related Links

Segment produced by:Annette Heist

Image: Shrimp living near seafloor hot-springs at NW Rota-1 volcano.
NOAA Ocean Explorer

Image: Researchers surveyed the microflora population at hydrothermal vent Marker 52 in the Pacific Ocean.
NOAA Vents Program, NEMO Seafloor Observatory