Springs, Exotic Animals Found in Sea Off Oregon

WASHINGTON — Scientists diving 100 miles off the Oregon coast discovered a spectacular field of deep sea hot springs, minerals and exotic animals that stretches for five city blocks, the government said Friday.

Using a Navy diving vehicle, the scientists observed geyser-like spouts, thickets of tube worms several feet high and topped with bright red plumes, crabs, octopuses and deep-sea fish in an undersea mountain range along the northern Gorda Ridge at a depth of almost 2 miles, the National Oceanic and Atmopsheric Administration said.