Arctic Discovery: 7,000-Year-Old Mud Volcano Found Thriving in Barents Sea

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) and REV Ocean have identified a 7,000-year-old mud volcano in the Barents Sea. Named Borealis, the underwater structure was found 400 meters deep within a 300-meter-wide crater. The volcano emits water, mud, and methane, fostering a unique ecosystem. The elevated water temperature and chemical processes support diverse marine life, including the recovery of redfish. Researchers believe Borealis formed at the end of the last glacial period. The find offers insights into past climate conditions through microfossils in its sediments, some dating back 2.5 million years. This discovery highlights the importance of advanced underwater exploration in understanding Earth's history and marine ecosystems.