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Named the Borealis Mud Volcano, this spectacular geological feature is only the second of its kind to be discovered in Norwegian waters. The discovery was made by the “Increasing knowledge of methane in the Arctic” (AKMA) expedition led by scientists from the Norwegian Arctic University (University of Tromsø).

Professor Stefan Buentz, co-leader of the expedition, described the excitement of discovering such hidden treasures on the seabed:

Exploring the seabed and discovering new methane sources is like finding hidden treasures. Every time we go down to the bottom of the sea, we have the feeling that we are just beginning to understand the vast and incredible diversity of such systems.

An underwater mud volcano is a geological formation resulting from the eruption of turbid liquids and gases, primarily methane. Borealis mud volcano has a diameter of about 7 meters and a height of about 2.5 meters.

The scientists used a remotely operated probe to capture images of a small hill constantly spewing a turbid liquid rich in methane.

Borealis volcano: watch the video

Interestingly, the mud volcano is located within a much larger crater 300 meters wide and 25 meters deep. Located 400 meters below the sea surface, this exceptional formation was probably formed about 18,000 years ago by a powerful and sudden eruption of methane during the last ice age.

Scientists have also discovered a wealth of animal life thriving on the volcano’s flanks. These organisms feed on the carbonate crust formed thousands of years ago when microorganisms consumed methane and produced bicarbonate as a byproduct. Sea anemones, sponges, corals, starfish, sea spiders and various crustaceans were among the various creatures seen in the environment.

Scientists have already found such volcanoes

The only other known mud volcano in Norwegian waters is Håkon Mosby, discovered in 1995 on the seabed south of Svalbard. This 1 kilometer wide object lies 1,250 meters below the water surface and is located within the research area of ​​the Bergen University Geobiology Center.

While underwater mud volcanoes are difficult to detect and accurately map, experts estimate there may be hundreds or even thousands on the seafloor worldwide.