Deep Sea Thermal Vent
The illustration, created for the American Museum of Natural History's web site, contains items that can be "collected" and studied. "Alive or Not" showcases information gathered on a recent deep sea expedition. More about "Alive or Not">

Working with the museum's geologist, I illustrated a smoking vent covered with living creatures and specific geological features. It was a challenge to make it legible at 72 dpi, with no overlapping items, accommodating the rollover selections imbedded in the image.

In the darkness of the deep, the only light comes from the submersible, Alvin, which shot the video I used as reference. Composed of minerals, lava, crystals and living bacteria, thermal vents support very unusual life forms. Learn more about deep sea vents at http://www.amnh.org.

Credits:
Illustration: Kathy Konkle
Geologist: Ro Kinzler
Client: The American Museum of Natural History