Mud volcanoes, generally similar to regular volcanoes, erupt a watery or gassy mud instead of hot, molten rock. The Haakon Mosby mud volcano (HMMV), named for the famous Norwegian oceanographer, is considered especially unusual because of its Arctic location, its development largely within glacial marine sediments, and the presence of what appears to be methane hydrate within the volcano's surface.

According to Peter Vogt, a Naval Research Laboratory scientist who has studied HMMV extensively, the discovery of the mud volcano in 1989 was "as much serendipity as science, since no one predicted its existence." The structure's unique characteristics and the strange life forms living on its surface captivated scientists, and a return trip to HMMV was scheduled for 1996. The 1996 research team, supported by NSF's Office of Polar Programs, comprised scientists and collaborators from various U.S., Norwegian and Russian institutions.

Ophiuroids, or brittle stars, are one of the many life forms living on the surface of the Haakon Mosby mud volcano.

Photo courtesy of NRL / 1996 Professor Logachev expedition

The 1996 HMMV data revealed a warm center surrounded by mounds and depressions, and encircled by a 200-meter-wide shallow moat. Tubeworms lie on the volcano's outer flanks, apparently living off of the methane within. HMMV is also home to numerous bottom fish and almost 20 new species of organisms. According to Vogt, the ecosystem is a scientist's dream come true, an "unexcelled natural laboratory." He adds, "Ecosystems such as those found on HMMV may be the most likely analogs to other life in the solar system, possibly on the ice- and maybe ocean-covered Jovian moon, Europa."

The vast reservoir of methane trapped within or below the oceans' widespread hydrate-cemented sediment could become a major fossil fuel source. Also known as "swamp gas," methane is a clean-burning fuel. If, however, the methane releases from its hydrate "cage," the movement may trigger submarine landslides. Because methane is also a powerful greenhouse gas, it may be a major factor in future climate change.

Vogt is quick to point out that the presence of methane hydrate has introduced many scientific mysteries, and that further research is critical. "Is what we photographed actually methane hydrate or is it bacterial mats?" he asks. "What are the shape and fluxes of the methane plumes we detected in the ocean above? Can we use these plumes to model deep water dynamics? And, finally, how can we make use of our knowledge? Could such hydrothermal vents some day be used as 'gas stations' to refuel unmanned underwater vehicles?"

NSF may help fund another visit to HMMV, hopefully to find answers to these questions. Once again uniting researchers from several countries, the planned summer cruise is set for the MSTSLAV KELDYSH, with its two MIR submersibles made famous in the movie "Titanic."