Ancient Mud Volcano Found in Arctic Ocean
UiT – The Arctic University of Norway researchers found and presented the first 7,000-year-old mud volcano in the Barents Sea through deep-sea exploration. Using advanced ROV technology Ocean Census partnered with REV Ocean and The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census to find the Borealis Mud Volcano which they detected 400 meters deep in Arctic Ocean waters.
After forming millions of years ago in the Arctic Ocean this natural landscape now protects a special deep-sea area that keeps waters at 11.5 degrees C even though the surrounding waters remain at just 4 degrees C. The subsea volcano located in Arctic Ocean’s seafloor hosts many living creatures that depend on methane and supports populations of three valuable fish species plus other sessile and microbial residents.
Key Characteristics:
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea |
| Depth | 400 meters |
| Age | ~7,000 years |
| Temperature | 11.5°C (ambient: 4°C) |
| Activity | Methane-rich fluid expulsion |
Comparison with Hydrothermal Vents:
| Feature | Mud Volcano (Borealis) | Hydrothermal Vent |
| Heat Source | Methane emissions | Magma-driven |
| Stability | Long-term habitats | Often unstable |
| Temperature | 11.5°C | Up to 350°C |
| Biodiversity | Under study | Well-documented |
