What happens to deep-sea coral samples after they are collected? In this image gallery, see some of the ways ocean scientists sort, measure, photograph, and study them. Learn more in the multimedia feature "Coral Gardens of the Deep Sea."
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Studying Deep-Sea Corals
Photographing Coral Samples
Credit: Lophelia II 2009: Deepwater Coral Expedition – Reefs, Rigs and WrecksAfter ocean scientists sort deep-sea corals according to their different types, they carefully measure and photograph the specimens. Find out how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.
Deep-sea Coral and Shrimp
Credit: Lophelia II 2009: Deepwater Coral Expedition – Reefs, Rigs and WrecksMarine scientists photographed and measured this gorgonian coral (Chrysogorgia sp.) and deep-sea shrimp (Bathypalaemonella sp.) just as they were collected—together. Find out how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.
Genetic Analysis of Coral
Credit: Lophelia II 2009: Deepwater Coral Expedition – Reefs, Rigs and WrecksA marine scientist performs a genetic analysis on a sample of deep-sea coral to find out if it is a known species or one new to science. Find out how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.
Growth Experiment
Credit: S. Brooke OIMBNew, white growth emerges from a living deep-sea coral sample that was stained pink, enabling ocean scientists to measure its coral growth rate. Find out more about how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.
Growing Bacteria from Corals
Credit: Christina Kellogg, USGSSearching for useful chemicals, marine scientists grow bacteria associated with deep-sea coral on nutrient agar to identify the bacteria and test their metabolic and biochemical capabilities. Some may be sources of potential medicines. Learn more about how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.
Corals at the Smithsonian
Credit: Allen G. Collins/NOAASmithsonian zoologist Dr. Steve Cairns named and described this deep-sea coral species, Stephanocyathus paliferus, which is now preserved in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History. The specimens will contribute to future research about deep sea corals. Collection cards record where and at what depths this particular species lives. Learn more about how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.