Coast Guard’s Arctic Expedition Uncovers Mysterious Underwater Volcano-Like Feature
A cutting-edge mission in the Arctic reveals a possible volcano deep beneath the ocean, adding to the region’s unexplored mysteries. 🌐 #News #NomeAK #Alaska #Science
NOME, AK – Imagine being out in the Arctic, surrounded by freezing waters, with nothing but ice and snow for miles. Now, imagine discovering a volcano lurking beneath the surface, rising nearly 1,640 feet from the ocean floor. That’s exactly what U.S. Coast Guard scientists uncovered during a groundbreaking mapping mission, adding another layer of mystery to the already uncharted waters of the Arctic.
A Collaborative Science Mission in the Arctic
The discovery was made aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy as part of its 2024 Arctic Fall deployment. The mission’s primary goal is to map the waters off the northern and western coasts of Alaska, an area previously unexplored in such detail. The mission is a joint effort between the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the University of New Hampshire.
During the mission’s first two phases, the Healy’s team deployed oceanographic buoys in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas and conducted detailed mapping efforts of the Alaskan Arctic Coast Port Access Route Study (AACPARS). This study is focused on a proposed route for vessels traveling from Utqiaġvik, Alaska, to the U.S.-Canada border.
Discovery of a Subsea Volcano-Like Feature
While conducting their mapping work, the team made a startling discovery: a “volcano-like feature” rising 500 meters from the seabed, located approximately 1,600 meters (about a mile) below the surface at its shallowest point. This find is significant, as it highlights the unknown geological features that lie beneath the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean. Adding to the intrigue, water column data revealed a potential gas plume rising from just above the feature toward the water’s surface.
While the team continues to analyze the data, the findings are already being hailed as a remarkable step forward in understanding the largely unexplored region. As Capt. Meghan McGovern, commanding officer of NOAA Ship Fairweather, stated, “Although data analysis is ongoing, these findings are exciting and offer insight into what may exist beneath the ocean’s surface, much of which is unknown in this region.”
Ensuring Safe Navigation and Training the Next Generation
The discovery comes as part of a larger effort to improve navigation safety in the Arctic, a region where reliable depth and underwater feature data is sparse. According to McGovern, the mission fills critical gaps for waterway users and serves as a foundation for safe navigation in the region. She continued, “The coordination and partnerships during this mission fill critical gaps in the region for all waterway users and provide a foundation for safe navigation in the Arctic.”
In addition to the groundbreaking scientific research, the mission also serves as a training opportunity for early-career scientists. The Healy’s crew, which includes both seasoned experts and newcomers, is working together to provide hands-on experience in Arctic operations. As Capt. Michele Schallip, commanding officer of the Healy, shared, “It’s an honor supporting such diverse research missions in the northern high latitudes while working towards enhancing navigation safety in a region where soundings are sparse.”
Looking Ahead to Further Exploration
As the data from this mission continues to be analyzed, the potential for new discoveries in the Arctic Ocean is growing. Scientists are eager to explore more of the seabed and better understand the geology and ecosystems of this remote region. The findings also serve as a reminder of the importance of continued research and collaboration in a part of the world that remains largely unknown.
This mission, and the discoveries it yields, show how much there is still to learn about our planet, especially in the world’s most remote corners. As scientific interest in the Arctic continues to grow, the Healy and its crew remain at the forefront, ready to meet the challenges of operating in one of the most hostile environments on Earth.
RELATED TOPICS: Science | Alaska
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