Clams and Shrimp on Petroleum seep in Gulf of Mexico (IMAGE)

Marine Biological Laboratory

Clams and Shrimp on Petroleum seep in Gulf of Mexico

Caption

Hydrocarbon seep in the southern Gulf of Mexico emitting a viscous petroleum, much like asphalt. Most animals found at hydrocarbon seeps, such as mussels and crabs, depend directly or indirectly on microorganisms that can oxidize the petroleum compounds.

Credit

Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM), University of Bremen.

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