Buzz
In a quest for a rare glimpse into Earth's depths, scientists from Advancing Knowledge of Methane in the Arctic (AKMA) journeyed to the bottom of the Barents Sea. There, they observed and documented an active mud volcano—marking the second such discovery in Norwegian waters. A video showcasing this extraordinary geological feature is available above.
Unlike the eruption of molten rock, the Borealis Mud Volcano consistently expels fine sediment and methane-laden water. The sludge originates from hundreds of feet to several miles beneath the Earth's crust. This phenomenon not only enhances scientists' understanding of the Earth's inner workings but also provides crucial insights into atmospheric changes. Methane, a significant greenhouse gas driving global warming, is now being studied in this localized, continuous release from the volcano.
Though mud volcanoes are found both on land and beneath the sea, this particular one lies 70 nautical miles south of Norway's Bear Island, over 1300 feet underwater. The volcano sits in a 1000-foot-wide crater, believed to have formed following a colossal methane explosion 18,000 years ago. Despite its volatile surroundings, the crater harbors a rich marine ecosystem, including anemones, sponges, corals, sea stars, and tube worms.
A team of scientists from UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, made the discovery of the Borealis Mud Volcano using the piloted submersible vehicle ROV Aurora, aboard the research vessel Kronprins Haakon. Professor Stefan Buenz, co-leader of the AKMA expedition, remarked, “Exploring the ocean floor and uncovering new methane seeps is like uncovering hidden treasures. It’s always full of surprises. We’ve found thousands of seeps, but every time we venture to the ocean floor, we leave with the sense that we’re only beginning to grasp the vastness and amazing variety of seep systems.”
After viewing the rare footage above, take a look at what the interior of a volcano looks like here.
