Volcanic eruption off American Samoa

Researchers have unveiled stunning new pictures of a volcanic eruption deep underwater.

Video released by the national oceanic and atmospheric administration shows what's described by researchers as a deep sea eruption.

It happened about 4,000 feet underneath the surface of the ocean off the coast of American Samoa.

The video was shot by a submersible robot during an underwater expedition.

Scientists hope the images, data and samples obtained will shed new light on how the ocean's crust was formed and how the earth behaves when tectonic plates collide.

(Copyright 2009 NBC News Channel. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)