The mud volcano continuously emits a liquid rich in methane which is a very potent greenhouse gas when it reaches the atmosphere.
According to UiT Norway’s Arctic University Among other things, the discovery will help researchers understand what effects this type of methane emissions have on the ecosystem.
The volcano also releases sediment from several kilometers deep that can provide clues to what it looked like on Earth’s past, but also what happens on other planets, says Professor Giuliana Panieri, expedition leader and principal researcher for the UiT project.
– Seeing an underwater eruption in real time reminds me how “alive” our planet is, says Panieri.
Then the unique mud volcano in the clip above.