Borealis Mud Volcano: A Hidden Deep-Sea Sanctuary in the Arctic Ocean

Scientists have found an extraordinary geological phenomenon in the cold seawater, which is a mud volcanic with a history of 7,000 years and is full of marine creatures. This ancient strata is named north soil, located 400 meters below the ground, challenging our understanding of the deep -sea ecosystem and climate interaction.

Who found out where?

  • Discoverer: UIT -Norwegian Arctic University (2023)
  • Location: Barent Sea of ​​Norwegian Water
  • Deep: 400 meters
  • Explorer: Marine Population Census, Rev Ocean, Nippon Foundation Nekton Marine Population Census
  • Exploration Technology: Remotely operated vehicles (ROV)

What are the key features of the Arctic Mud Volcano?

Key features:

aspect

detail

Geographical location

Balenzi, Arctic Ocean

depth

400 meters above sea level

Estimated age

About 7,000 years

Temperature effect

Improve the local water temperature to 11.5 ° C (compared with the environment 4 ° C)

Geological activity

Exile a liquid rich in methane, leading to a unique sea bed strata

Ecological system effect

Provide habitats for the life of the deep sea, including sponges, anemone and fish

Source: Revocean.org

Why is this discovery important?

1. Geological abnormalities

Unlike the traditional volcano explosive in lava, Arctic Island (such as the Arctic) iceberg releases liquid and sediments rich in methane. These processes have shaped the surrounding sea floor and formed a unique deep -sea environment.

2. Biological diversity hotspots

On the contrary, this deep -sea volcano is not barren, but the shelter of marine species. Scientists have observed various creatures that have been developed on the carbonate crust formed for thousands of years, including: including:

  • Anemone, snake-shaped, deoxy and sparse octagonal colonies-found close to the hard carbonate strata.
  • Fish-relying on volcanic asylum and breeding grounds, such as Saith, cod, red fish, four-bundlefish and spotted wolves.

3. Climate and marine chemistry significance

Arctic Mud volcano:

  • Methane isolation: The microbial community in the mud volcano absorbs methane, reducing its release of the atmosphere, which is a key factor in climate adjustment.
  • Deep Sea temperature regulation: The local warming effect will produce a micro -life, which supports marine life in the original cold deep -sea environment.

Reveal the unique geological structure

Unlike the conventional volcanic outbreak of lava, the mud volcanic volcano pops up fluidized sediments and gases, especially the combination of methane. The Arctic Mud volcano has a carbonate crust formed and active, providing habitat for deep sea creatures.

Discovery and research adventure

  • UIT -Norwegian Arctic University collaborated with Rev Ocean and Ocean Census in 2023.
  • Researchers have deployed remotely operated vehicles (ROV) to capture high -resolution images and record the ecosystem around the volcano.
  • It was initially discovered that this geological structure supported a series of marine species that had not been recorded in the region.

Source: Daily

Filling in the deep -sea ecosystem

Despite extreme conditions, the northern mud volcano has promoted a flexible ecosystem:

  • The life of methane dependencies plays a vital role in the carbon cycle.
  • Unsecured creatures connected to rock carbonate floor shells, such as sponge, anemone and octagonal.
  • Commercial fish, such as cod, Saithe, red fish and spots, use volcanic structures to shelter and feed.

Data source: cfact.org

Compared with water and heat floors

feature

Mud volcanic (north)

Water -Heat ventilation hole

Source of heat

Methane gas emissions

Magma driver activity

Ecosystem stability

Support long -term habitat

Usually instability

Biological diversity

Rich, but still study

There are investigative and diverse

Temperature

Rise local water to 11.5 ° C

Can exceed 350 ° C

What are the scientific research that is ongoing to explore the northern mud volcano?

The ongoing scientific research explores the Arctic Mud volcano:

  • Standing tasks: Scientists plan to continue to explore the Arctic Underwater bottom with advanced underwater vehicles to draw similar strata.
  • Untilged problems: Researchers are investigating the active time of the mudslite volcano, and whether there are other hidden ecosystems under the Arctic sea bed.
  • Comparative research: Understand that northerners may provide insights on alien marine environment, such as Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s underground ocean.

What will be the future research prospect of this task?

Future research aims:

  • Use advanced ROV technology to perform detailed mapping of the region.
  • Study the interaction between marine species and its adaptability rich in methane rich environment.
  • Determine other potential deep -sea volcanic strata in the Arctic, and expand the knowledge about the underwater geological process.

in conclusion

The discovery of the Arctic Mud Volcano has redefined our understanding of the Arctic marine ecosystem and the quality of deep -sea land. This unique structure is full of marine life, providing a new boundary for scientific research-showing the potential similarities of deep-sea biodiversity, methane circulation, and potential similar to the alien environment. As the survey continues, the insights obtained from this Arctic miracle can create future marine and planet exploration research.