Rust villages of the deep: In Pele's shadow, iron oxide, or rust, comes to life

Pele. Her name brings visions of fire, lightning, wind--and volcanoes. Of the ancient Hawaiian goddesses, Pele, the "lady in the red dress," is the best known.

Locals believe that her powers formed Hawaii's chain of volcanic islands. The word pele means molten lava in Hawaiian. Volcanic eruptions, or Pele's tears, it's said, are her way of expressing red-hot emotions.

Science may offer another explanation.