Mission Plan
Mission Plan

Education
Education

Mariana Arc
Mariana Arc

Biology
Biology

Microbiology
Microbiology

Vent Chemistry
Vent Chemistry

Plumes
Plumes

Volcanism
Volcanism

Tech
Technology

Explorers
Explorers

Photo & Video Log

This page contains photos and videos taken during the Submarine Ring of Fire 2006: Exploration of the Mariana Arc expedition that took place April 18 - May 13, 2006. Click on any image to view a larger version and for additional information. If a movie camera icon camera icon is present, a QuickTime video can be viewed by clicking on the image. Other video formats are available on the linked pages. If a Podcast icon Podcast Icon is present, a video or audio file is available for download or you can subscribe to the RSS Podcast Feed. NOAA Podcast RSS 2.0 Feed

If a slideshow icon slideshow icon is present, a visual log of exploration images can be viewed. You can scroll through them one by one, or select the play button for an automatic slideshow.

(HR) = "High Resolution" images available.

 

camera icon Video & Slideshows

The Nikko volcano has numerous hydrothermal vents, an extraordinary biomass and marine life.

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Extraordinary biomass, marine life and numerous hydrothermal vents, were observed at Nikko. (Quicktime, 1.7 Mb.)

The crater floor at Nikko has many sulfur chimneys, both active and inactive.

camera icon May 12
The crater floor at Nikko has many sulfur chimneys, both active and inactive. (Quicktime, 1.2 Mb.)

The south rim of the summit crater at Nikko is covered by an amazing density of tubeworms.

camera icon May 12
The south rim of the summit crater at Nikko is covered by an amazing density of tubeworms. (Quicktime, 1.4 Mb.)

The south slope of the summit cone at Nikko was found to contain a large area with boiling pots of molten sulfur.

camera icon May 12
The south slope of the summit cone at Nikko was found to contain a large area with boiling pots of molten sulfur. (Quicktime, 1.9 Mb.)

Closer examination of the area around the molten sulfur pots reveals that what appears to be solid ground is really just a thin crust on a larger lake of molten sulfur

camera icon May 12
A close examination of what appears to be solid ground reveals a thin crust on a lake of molten sulfur! (Quicktime, 2.2 Mb.)

A sequence of waves that hit the stern of the KoK.

camera icon May 12
When Jason II ROV tries to sample a rock, it sinks through the thin crust on a lake of molten sulfur! (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

Discover a dense group of tonguefish on the sedimented seafloor at Daikoku.

camera icon May 11
Discover a dense group of tonguefish on the sedimented sea floor at Daikoku. (Quicktime, 1.7 Mb.)

A dead mid-water fish floated down to the seafloor and is attacked by tonguefish at Daikoku.

camera icon May 11
A dead mid-water fish floated down to the sea floor and is attacked by tonguefish at Daikoku. (Quicktime, 1.8 Mb.)

Panorama of the Jason group preparing for a midnight launch of the vehicle from the fantail of the R/V Melville.

camera icon May 10
Panorama of the Jason group preparing for a midnight launch of the vehicle from the fantail of the R/V Melville. (QTVR, 324 Kb.)

Panorama view from the Control Van.

camera icon May 10
Panorama view from the Control Van. (QTVR, 428 Kb.)

Chemists work long hours in the lab after a water sampling dive.

camera icon May 9
Chemists work long hours in the lab after a water sampling dive. (QTVR, 580 Kb.)

The CO2 Champagne Vents at NW Eifuku.

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The CO2 Champagne vents at NW Eifuku. (Quicktime, 1.3 Mb.)

Mussels and shrimp colonies at NW Eifuku.

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Mussels and shrimp colonies at NW Eifuku. (Quicktime, 1.6 Mb.)

Scientist study the potential impact of increased CO2 levels in the marine environment.

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Scientist study the potential impact of increased CO2 levels in the marine environment. (Quicktime, 2.3 Mb.)

Liquid sulfur and volcanic gases are bubbling up from a pit at Daikoku volcano.

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Liquid sulfur and volcanic gases are bubbling up from a pit at Daikoku volcano. (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

Scientist observe the undulating crust of molten sulfur at the Daikoku volcano (Sulfur Cauldron).

pod cast camera icon May 4
Scientist observe the undulating crust of molten sulfur at the Daikoku volcano (Sulfur Cauldron). (Quicktime, 1.8 Mb.)

Amazing sighting of a flatfish swimming out on the crusted-over surface of the molten sulfur pond.

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Amazing sighting of a flatfish swimming out on the crusted-over surface of the molten sulfur pond! (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

Jason II ROV measures the temperature of the sulfur pond.

camera icon May 4
Jason II ROV measures the temperature of the sulfur pond. (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

Sampling extinct chimneys at East Diamante.

camera icon May 1
Sampling extinct chimneys at East Diamante. (Quicktime, 1.5 Mb.)

Five towers chimney at the Black Forest vent field.

camera icon May 1
Five Towers chimney at the Black Forest vent field. (Quicktime, 1.9 Mb.)

A multitude of tropical life exists at the Aquarium site.

camera icon May 1
A multitude of tropical life exists at the Aquarium site. (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

See how the two species of shrimp found here at NW Rota-1 volcano interact.

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See how the two species of shrimp found here at NW Rota-1 volcano interact. (Quicktime, 2.3 Mb.)

Some of the dead marine life observed on the seafloor at NW Rota-1.

camera icon April 30
Some of the dead marine life observed on the sea floor at NW Rota-1. (Quicktime, 1.8 Mb.)

Shrimp riding on its crustacean vehicle.

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Shrimp riding on its crustacean vehicle. (Quicktime, 1.7 Mb.)

The extremely dynamic Brimstone Pit.

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The extremely dynamic Brimstone Pit. (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

Brimstone Pit erupting with glowing red lava jetting out of the vent.

pod cast camera icon April 29
Brimstone Pit erupting with glowing red lava jetting out of the vent. (Quicktime, 2.5 Mb.)

Brimstone Pit erupting rhythmically with glowing red lava and gas bubbles.

camera icon April 29
Brimstone Pit erupting rhythmically with glowing red lava and gas bubbles. (Quicktime, 2.1 Mb.)

Brimstone Pit sulfur plume envelopes the Jason ROV.

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Brimstone Pit sulfur plume envelopes the Jason ROV. (Quicktime, 3.3 Mb.)

The Brimstone Pit rising lava and expanding gases looked like a seething caldron!

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The Brimstone Pit rising lava and expanding gases looked like a seething caldron! (Quicktime, 3.3 Mb.)

In addition to seeing new wonders, we were able to listen to the volcanic activity using a hydrophone.

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Scientists recorded hydrophone sound data from NW Rota-1 during an eruption. (Quicktime MP3, 792 Kb.)

The beauty of a twisting, curling plume as it exits the crater.

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The beauty of a twisting, curling plume as it exits the crater. (Quicktime, 2.1 Mb.)

Brimstone Pit, A surprise every 5 mintues.

pod cast camera icon April 25
Brimstone Pit — a surprise every five minutes! (Quicktime, 2.1 Mb.)

De-gassing of the toe of an andesite lava flow.

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Degassing of the "toe" of an andesite lava flow. (Quicktime, 1.8 Mb.)

Hades breath, Most definitely poisonous.

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Hades breath: Most definitely poisonous! (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

One last hurrah.

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One last hurrah! (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

Scientist return to visit the Brimstone Pit and experience what seems like a burp from Hades.

slideshow icon April 25
Scientists return to visit the Brimstone Pit and experience what seems like a burp from Hades.

Jason II approaches Brimstone Pit.

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Jason II approaches Brimstone Pit. (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

Jason II returns to Brimstone Pit.

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Jason II returns to Brimstone Pit. (Quicktime, 1.9 Mb.)

Jason II finds gas bubbles emitting from lava rock.

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Jason II finds gas bubbles emitting from lava rock. (Quicktime, 1.8 Mb.)

Brimstone Pit erupting with glowing red lava jetting out of the vent.

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This appears to be lava in the act of erupting from Brimstone Pit (Quicktime, 1.8 Mb.)

Squat lobsters (galatheids) in flight at Seamount X.

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Squat lobsters (galatheids) in "flight" at Seamount X. (Quicktime, 2.1 Mb.)

Intensely shimmering water vents from the seafloor atop Forecast Seamount.

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Intensely shimmering water vents from the seafloor atop Forecast Seamount. (Quicktime, 2 Mb.)

Panorama view from the bridge of the R/V Melville.

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Panorama view from the bridge of the R/V Melville. (QTVR, 320 Kb.)

Panorama from the bow of the R/V Melville as she steams out of the harbor.

camera icon April 21
Panorama from the bow of the R/V Melville as she steams out of the harbor. (QTVR, 320 Kb.)

Images

A degassing event at Brimstone Pit at NW Rota-1 volcano released an extraordinary number of bubbles.

Mission Summary
A degassing event at Brimstone Pit at NW Rota-1 volcano released an extraordinary number of bubbles. (HR)

SRoF'06 Science Party Explorers.

Mission Summary
SRoF'06 Science Party Explorers. (HR)

The northern Mariana Arc submarine volcanoes visited on the SRoF'06 expedition.

Mission Summary
The northern Mariana arc submarine volcanoes visited on the SRoF'06 expedition. (HR)

The pond of molten sulfur discovered at Daikoku volcano is about 15 feet long and 10 feet wide.

Mission Summary
The pond of molten sulfur discovered at Daikoku volcano is about 15 ft long and 10 ft wide. (HR)

A striking visualization at this site was the discovery of inactive ornamented sulfur chimneys.

Mission Summary
A striking visualization at this site was the discovery of inactive ornamented sulfur chimneys. (HR)

The southern Mariana Arc submarine volcanoes visited on the SRoF'06 expedition.

Mission Summary
The southern Mariana arc submarine volcanoes visited on the SRoF'06 expedition. (HR)

 

 

 

 

Small chimneys on the seafloor of Nikko caldera venting smoke that often impedes visibility.

May 12
Small chimneys on the sea floor of Nikko caldera venting smoke that often impedes visibility. (HR)

A pot of molten sulfur bubbles out of the seafloor in this area of sheets of sulfur crust.

May 12
A pot of molten sulfur bubbles out of the sea floor in this area of sheets of sulfur crust. (HR)

Tubeworm bushes hug the edge of the sulfur crust, which is covered with crabs and flatfish.

May 12
Tubeworm "bushes" hug the edge of the sulfur crust, which is covered with crabs and flatfish. (HR)

There is so much sulfur being produced at Nikko that volcanic rocks are only rarely exposed.

May 12
There is so much sulfur being produced at Nikko that volcanic rocks are only rarely exposed. (HR)

This crab was not as lucky as Jason, it was consumed by the molten sulfur when the crust broke.

May 12
This crab was not as lucky as Jason; it was consumed by the molten sulfur when the crust broke. (HR)

While trying to extract a sample of the sulfur crust, Jason inadvertently broke through the crust.

May 12
While trying to extract a sample of the sulfur crust, Jason inadvertently broke through the crust. (HR)

Even though it is hard to imagine looking at this image, the sulfur dip caused no damage.

May 12
Even though it is hard to imagine looking at this image, the sulfur dip caused no damage. (HR)

 

 

At Daikoku and Nikko volcanoes tonguefish and crabs cover the seafloor in some areas.

May 11
At Daikoku and Nikko volcanoes tonguefish and crabs cover the sea floor in some areas. (HR)

The fish at Nikko are almost twice as big as their counterparts on Daikoku.

May 11
The fish at Nikko are almost twice as big as their counterparts on Daikoku. (HR)

Tonguefish at the edge of the Sulfur Cauldron at Daikoku volcano.

May 11
Tonguefish at the edge of the Sulfur Cauldron at Daikoku volcano. (HR)

Jason caught this image of a tonguefish swimming in front of the camera.

May 11
Jason caught this image of a tonguefish swimming in front of the camera. (HR)

The Jason group and R/V Melville crew prepare to launch the Jason II ROV for another dive.

May 10
The Jason group and R/V Melville crew prepare to launch the Jason II ROV for another dive. (HR)

Jason II ROV improvised instant molten sulfur sampler.

May 10
Jason II ROV improvised instant molten sulfur sampler.

A sulfur sample that was originally molten, but solidified quickly in the cold seawater above the bottom.

May 10
A sulfur sample that was originally molten, but solidified quickly in the cold sea water above the bottom. (HR)

 

 

More than a week ago, the volcanic island of Anatahan was billowing smoke like an inextinguishable cigar.

May 9
More than a week ago, the volcanic island of Anatahan was billowing smoke like an inextinguishable cigar. (HR)

Jason has numerous baskets, and boxes that are used to safely hold the scientific booty.

May 9
Jason has numerous baskets, and boxes that are used to safely hold the scientific booty. (HR)

Chemists work long hours in the lab after a water sampling dive.

May 9
Chemists work long hours in the lab after a water sampling dive. (HR)

Scientist remove a huge, extinct sulfide sample from the elevator, after its trip from the seafloor to the surface.

May 9
Scientists remove a huge, extinct sulfide sample from the elevator, after its trip from the sea floor to the surface. (HR)

Acidic liquid carbon dioxide bubbles rise out of the seafloor at NW Eifuku volcano.

May 8
Acidic liquid carbon dioxide bubbles rise out of the sea floor at NW Eifuku volcano. (HR)

Using the hydrothermal fluid and particle sampler scientist collected microbes at NW Eifuku.

May 8
Using the hydrothermal fluid and particle sampler scientist collected microbes at NW Eifuku.

One of the scientific goals here is to study the effect of lowered pH from volcanic CO2 emission on the abundant mussel communities.

May 8
One of the scientific goals of this cruise is to study the effect of lowered pH from volcanic CO2 emission on the abundant mussel communities. (HR)

One of three sites where we sampled mussels and the surrounding water to understand the volcanic habitat.

May 8
One of three sites where we sampled mussels and the surrounding water to understand the volcanic habitat. (HR)

Scientist culturing microbes in the lab aboard the R/V Melville.

May 5
Scientist culturing microbes in the lab aboard the R/V Melville.

A handful of the more than 400 tubes of growth media cultured to try to mimic the diverse hydrothermal vent environments.

May 5
A handful of the more than 400 tubes of growth media cultured to try to mimic the diverse hydrothermal vent environments.

Microbes from the exterior portion of this venting chimney were cultured for further analysis.

May 5
Microbes from the exterior portion of this venting chimney were cultured for further analysis. (HR)

A cross section of the chimney cultured for microbial studies.

May 5
A cross section of the chimney cultured for microbial studies. (HR)

The Hydrothermal Fluid Sampler collecting diffuse fluids at Seamount X.

May 5
The hydrothermal fluid sampler collecting diffuse fluids at Seamount X. (HR)

Scientist extract fluid samples from the Hydrothermal Fluid Sampler (HFS) after a Jason dive.

May 5
Scientist extract fluid samples from the hydrothermal fluid sampler (HFS) after a Jason dive.

 

 

 

 

t Daikoku volcano, a black pool of liquid sulfur with a solidified sulfur crust.

May 4
At Daikoku volcano, a black pool of liquid sulfur with a solidified sulfur crust. (HR)

Tongue fish and crabs on the seafloor at Daikoku.

May 4
Tongue fish and crabs on the sea floor at Daikoku. (HR)

White smoke seeps out of the seafloor near the Cauldron sulfur pond.

May 4
White smoke seeps out of the sea floor near the Cauldron sulfur pond. (HR)

Sulfur crusts in the vicinity of the cauldron implies past eruptions of sulfur.

May 4
Sulfur crusts in the vicinity of the cauldron implies past eruptions of sulfur. (HR)

Jason holds up a large piece of sulfur crust that was sampled at Daikoku.

May 4
Jason holds up a large piece of sulfur crust that was sampled at Daikoku. (HR)

A large plume of white fluid slowly rises out of one of the craters at the summit of Daikoku.

May 4
A large plume of white fluid slowly rises out of one of the craters at the summit of Daikoku.

 

 

 

 

Map of the summit of Ruby volcano, the area of dive J2-194.

May 3
Map of the summit of Ruby volcano, the area of Dive J2-194.

Just below the surface layer at Ruby there was a slightly deeper, more concentrated particle anomaly.

May 3
Just below the surface layer at Ruby there was a slightly deeper, more concentrated particle anomaly.

Stalked crinoids clinging to the steep, basaltic terrain at Ruby volcano.

May 3
Stalked crinoids clinging to the steep, basaltic terrain at Ruby volcano. (HR)

A unique ecosystem lives on the upper flank of Ruby volcano, consisting largely of numerous crabs and limpets.

May 3
A unique ecosystem lives on the upper flank of Ruby volcano, consisting largely of numerous crabs and limpets. (HR)

Beehive-type tops of the chimneys are expelling hydrothermal fluids that make 'smoke' upon mixing with the surrounding seawater.

May 1
Beehive-type tops of the chimneys are expelling hydrothermal fluids that make "smoke" upon mixing with the surrounding seawater. (HR)

View looking down on some 1.5 meter (5 feet) tall dead chimneys that grew out of a field of lava boulders.

May 1
View looking down on some 1.5 m (5 ft) tall dead chimneys that grew out of a field of lava boulders. (HR)

Large samples are brought back from the seafloor by using an elevator.

May 1
Large samples are brought back from the sea floor by using an elevator. (HR)

Cross section view of the base of one of the active chimneys recovered by Jason II at the 5 Towers vent field.

May 1
Cross section view of the base of one of the active chimneys recovered by Jason II at the Five Towers vent field. (HR)

Striking example of the iron oxide mineral hematite intergrown with barite and chalcopyrite.

May 1
Striking example of the iron oxide mineral hematite intergrown with barite and chalcopyrite. (HR)

At 220 meters we encounter large talus blocks coated with extensive bacterial mat.

May 1
At 220 m we encounter large talus blocks coated with extensive bacterial mat. (HR)

The scientist observe a rare sight, overlap of chemosynthetic and photosynthetic communities.

May 1
The scientists observe a rare sight, overlap of chemosynthetic and photosynthetic communities. (HR)

Pink basket stars, soft corals, sponges and tropical fish adorn Aquarium pinnacle at its shallowest point.

May 1
Pink basket stars, soft corals, sponges, and tropical fish adorn Aquarium pinnacle at its shallowest point. (HR)

Some of the dead marine life observed on the seafloor at NW Rota-1.

April 30
Some of the dead marine life observed on the sea floor at NW Rota-1.

White bacterial mats at the top of the rock provide food for the Loihi shrimp and the alvinocarid shrimp juveniles.

April 30
White bacterial mats at the top of the rock provide food for the Loihi shrimp and the alvinocarid shrimp juveniles. (HR)

A close-up view of shrimp at NW Rota-1. The reason for the difference in color is not yet clear.

April 30
A close-up view of shrimp at NW Rota-1. The reason for the difference in color is not yet clear. (HR)

 

 

Glowing red lava jetting out of the vent at Brimstone Pit.

April 29
Glowing red lava jetting out of the vent at Brimstone Pit.

At Brimstone Pit the pressure of 560 meters (1837 feet) of water over the site reduces the power of the explosive bursts.

April 29
At Brimstone Pit the pressure of 560 m (1,837 ft) of water over the site reduces the power of the explosive bursts. (HR)

In addition to seeing new wonders, we were able to listen to the volcanic activity using a hydrophone.

April 29
In addition to seeing new wonders, we were able to listen to the volcanic activity using a hydrophone. (HR)

 

 

The view from the back deck of the Reserch Vessel Melville.

April 27
The view from the back deck of the R/V Melville.

A life ring on board this research vessel in a country I call Melville.

April 27
A life ring on board this research vessel in a country I call Melville.

The scientists on board use the remotely operated vehicles appendages to prod the volcanoes.

April 27
The scientists on board use the remotely operated vehicle's appendages to prod the volcanoes. (HR)

The crew and scientific party have proven to be a jovial bunch, especially at meal time.

April 27
The crew and scientific party have proven to be a jovial bunch, especially at meal time.

Scientists and crew work together to successfully deploy the ROV for yet another dive.

April 27
Scientists and crew work together to successfully deploy the ROV for yet another dive. (HR)

Another beautiful sunset over the country I call Melville.

April 27
Another beautiful sunset over the country I call Melville. (HR)

 

 

 

 

Carbon dioxide gas streaming out from the lava rubble pile.

April 25
Carbon dioxide gas streaming out from the lava rubble pile. (HR)

A zoomed-out view looking down on an advancing andesite lava flow.

April 25
A zoomed-out view looking down on an advancing andesite lava flow. (HR)

Piece of andesite lava newly formed near Brimstone Pit that shows elemental sulfur infilling the vesicles in the lava.

April 25
Piece of andesite lava newly formed near Brimstone Pit that shows elemental sulfur infilling the vesicles in the lava. (HR)

Close up of the front edge of the andesite lava flow.

April 25
Close up of the front edge of the andesite lava flow. (HR)

First dive (J2-186) at NW Rota-1 volcano.

April 24
First dive (J2-186) at NW Rota-1 volcano. (HR)

A degassing event at Brimstone started releasing an escalating number of bubbles (probably CO2) as the plume cloud increased in volume.

April 24
A degassing event at Brimstone started releasing an escalating number of bubbles (probably CO2) as the plume cloud increased in volume. (HR)

Particle plumes at NW Rota-1 volcano were mapped using a light scattering sensor (LSS).

April 24
Particle plumes at NW Rota-1 volcano were mapped using a light scattering sensor (LSS).

 

 

Map showing the location and topography of Seamount X and Forecast.

April 21
Map showing the location and topography of Seamount X and Forecast. (HR)

A last glimpse of the island of Guam as the R/V Melville heads out of the harbor and steams toward Seamount-X.

April 21
A last glimpse of the island of Guam as the R/V Melville heads out of the harbor and steams toward Seamount-X. (HR)

Cornel de Ronde sorts through the geological samples collected at Seamount X.

April 21
Cornel de Ronde sorts through the geological samples collected at Seamount X. (HR)

A glimpse of a biological community at a Forecast vent site.

April 21
A glimpse of a biological community at a Forecast vent site. (HR)

Squat lobsters at Seamount X, living here upon a huge sulfur deposit at Seamount X.

April 21
Squat lobsters at Seamount X, living here upon a huge sulfur deposit at Seamount X. (HR)

The plethora of squat lobsters at Seamount X, disperse as the Jason II ROV comes in for a closer view.

April 21
The plethora of squat lobsters at Seamount X, disperse as the Jason II ROV comes in for a closer view. (HR)

 

 

 

 

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