Exploring the Arctic Seabed

The Arctic Ocean is covered with ice for much of the year. Beneath that ice lies a mysterious ocean floor that scientists are just beginning to explore. Using icebreaker ships, submersibles, and robots, researchers are discovering mountains, volcanoes, and strange sea life under the Arctic ice.

How Scientists Explore

Exploring the Arctic seabed is very difficult because of the thick ice. Scientists use icebreaker ships that can push through the ice. They lower robots and sonar equipment through holes in the ice. Some teams even dive under the ice in special suits. These brave scientists work in freezing temperatures to study the ocean floor.

What They Have Found

Scientists have found underwater mountain ranges and active volcanoes on the Arctic seabed. They have discovered hydrothermal vents with strange animals living near them. The Arctic seafloor also holds clues about Earth's past climate. As Arctic ice melts, more of the seabed is becoming easier to explore.

Fun Facts

• The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of Earth's five oceans.
• Scientists found active volcanoes on the Arctic seafloor in 2007.
• Some parts of the Arctic seabed are more than 18,000 feet deep.

Did You Know?

In 2007, a Russian team used a submersible to place a flag on the seabed beneath the North Pole, nearly 14,000 feet down.