Researchers have stumbled upon an incredible hidden treasure!
Picture this: Near Norway, in the Barents Sea, there is a gigantic crater....
...that formed 18,000 years ago at the end of the ice age. Inside that, they discovered a volcano throwing out mud and methane from deep within the Earth's crust.
As the researchers went deeper, they realised that this volcano offered a glimpse into the Earth's interior and past environments.
...giving clues about our planet's history. For explorers, it is a jaw-dropping blast from the past!
And guess what? These discoveries don't just impact Earth; they give us insights into other planets too! It has been named the Borealis Mud Volcano.
It seems that the volcano was formed when a large amount of methane, a gas trapped deep within the earth, was suddenly released after the last Ice Age.
Methane is a greenhouse gas. So by studying the release of methane, researchers can gather data to study its impact on the climate system.
Also, this newly found crater is full of life. it seems like sponges, starfish, corals, etc. have made this place their enchanting home and have flourished for thousands of years.