Carbon-releasing ocean bacteria (IMAGE) University of Minnesota Caption CSE researchers collected samples of carbonate rocks from the Del Mar East methane seep using a submersible watercraft. They discovered that deep-sea bacteria are dissolving these rocks, releasing excess carbon into the ocean and atmosphere. Credit Credit: Leprich, et al., Bailey Geobiology Research Group, University of Minnesota Usage Restrictions Credit: Leprich, et al., Bailey Geobiology Research Group, University of Minnesota License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.