Scientists just found the world's deepest Arctic gas seep
Researchers have discovered the deepest-ever gas hydrate cold seep—3,640 meters down in the Greenland Sea.
The spot, called Freya Hydrate Mounds, is super active, with methane and oil bubbling up from below and mounds undergoing stages of growth and dissociation.
Life thrives where you'd least expect it
Even in total darkness, unique creatures like tubeworms, snails, and amphipods are living off chemicals from the seep.
These communities are similar to those at hydrothermal vents and hint that deep-sea habitats in the Arctic might be more connected than we thought.
Why it matters for our planet
Freya gives scientists a rare chance to watch how methane behaves as ocean temperatures rise—a big deal since more methane escaping means more greenhouse gasses.
Researchers warn that mining or drilling here could wreck these fragile "island" habitats and are calling for strong protections based on science.