Collecting Samples in the Gulf of Mexico (IMAGE) Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology Caption Diving in the Gulf of Mexico: With the submersible ALVIN, the researchers from Bremen were able to reach the seafloor. There they used ALVIN's grab arm to collect sediment cores from the seabed. White-orange colored microbial mats made of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria indicate hot vents, where particularly large amounts of methane and other energy-rich compounds are released. Credit Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Usage Restrictions Only to be used in the context of this publication and citing the proper copyright. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.