The lava at this site is completely barren (uncolonized), except where there is venting, evidence that this is probably new lava. White microbial mat growth is evidence of warm water venting and numerous scaleworms are found grazing on it. The fact that few other vent species are present and that the tubeworms are small and white indicates that the hydrothermal vent is very young and is on new lava.

-> New lava, uncollapsed

-> New hydrothermal vent

-> New colony of vent animals