Scientists recently made a surprising discovery of a new hydrothermal vent system in the Arctic seafloor. This vent system, named the Jøtul hydrothermal field after Norse mythology, was found in an area that was previously thought to be geologically inactive. The vents are located southwest of Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, at a depth of 9,850 feet (3,000 meters).
One of the notable vents in this field is named Yggdrasil, after the cosmic tree of life in Norse mythology. This vent has multiple chimneys and rocky branches, resembling the mythical tree that connects the nine realms. Another set of vents, called the Nidhogg spring, is named after the dragon that was said to live in Yggdrasil.
The discovery of these vents was unexpected, as the Knipovich Ridge where they are located was believed to be geothermally dormant due to its slow tectonic movement. However, the vents were found to release scalding-hot water, reaching temperatures of up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit (300 degrees Celsius).
Researchers used remote underwater vehicles to explore the vents and take samples of the water bubbling from the chimneys. The Nidhogg spring vents release relatively cooler water, making them a suitable habitat for organisms like amphipods. Despite the slow tectonic movement in the area, the vents are active and rich in metals and chemicals.
The discovery raises questions about the age of the vents, the organisms that thrive in these extreme conditions, and the impact of methane emissions from the vents on the ocean. Scientists plan to conduct further research to fill in the gaps in our understanding of this newly found ecosystem.
Harry, a senior staff writer at Live Science, has covered a wide range of topics including space exploration, planetary science, climate change, and marine biology. His feature on the upcoming solar maximum was recognized at the National Council for the Training of Journalists Awards for Excellence in 2023. Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating discovery in the Arctic seafloor.
