2. Beneath the water of Yellowstone Lake

Between 1983 and 2003 we investigated hydrothermal systems in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park. Using SCUBA and remotely operated vehicles (ROV's), we explores the depths of Yellowstone Lake. We discovered active geysers, hot springs and fumeroles; interesting sponges, and sulfide seeps; all of which added to the productivity of the lake. We isolated and decsribed unique microorganisms that wer capable of living at very high temperatures, and which might produce enzymes that could be biologically and economically important. Specifically we found hydrothermal systems that were analogous to the those found in the open ocean, although not as biologically complex. The following pictures illustrate some of these findings. They show the ROV's used, relic hydrothermal structures and chimneys, hot springs in deep waters off Stevenson Island, sulfide seeps, temperature probes,and other features of Yellowstone Lake.