Photos: Roving the floor of Crater Lake

Scientists set out this month to answer questions about the large growth at the bottom of Oregon's Crater Lake, home of Mt. Mazama, a volcano that erupted about 7,700 years ago.

A remotely operated vehicle system will be used to gather video footage and test samples to determine how this natural community fits into the lake's ecosystem. The research is being carried out by representatives of Oregon State University, the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey and Southern Oregon University.

The scientists will be using remotely-operated vehicles to explore the moss beds at the bottom of the lake. Pictured here in all its post-moss-exploring glory is the USGS Towed Camera System, which made its journey into the lake earlier this month. The "moss-beard" on the camera sled reflects an "unscheduled contact" with the bottom.