An autonomous underwater robot deployed in Siberia’s Lake Baikal has revealed the presence of previously unknown mud volcanoes and provided insights into an active fault zone. Equipped with video cameras, the robot captured footage of cracks associated with mud volcanism near the shores of Lake Baikal, shedding light on geological processes beneath its surface.
The footage captured by the robot showcased scars left by mud eruptions at depths ranging from 340 to 540 feet (100 to 165 meters) in two locations: Malaya Kosa Bay and Goryachinskaya Bay along the lake’s northwestern shore. These discoveries raise concerns as they are situated close to the Severobaikalsk fault, also known as the North Baikal fault, hinting at a potential earthquake risk.
Mud volcanoes are surface manifestations of deeper geological activities, forming when slurries and gases erupt from below the Earth’s surface. Craters observed along Lake Baikal’s northwestern shore suggest activity parallel to the Severobaikalsk fault, indicating its potential activity.
The robot’s exploration revealed intensely fractured beds covered with clay, soft sediments, and erupted deposits, particularly in Goryachinskaya Bay. The footage depicted layers of rock displaced by mud and gas eruptions, with boulders seemingly forced upward. Additionally, small cone-shaped craters teeming with aquatic life were observed, suggesting ongoing geological processes.
Despite forming at shallow depths, these mud volcanoes are fueled by gas hydrates, which can destabilize due to tectonic activity, according to Oksana Lunina, a senior researcher at the Institute of the Earth’s Crust. The movements in the Severobaikalsk fault could trigger slurries to rise and erupt, contributing to the formation of these mud volcanoes.
Researchers believe that these mud volcanoes are an integral part of Lake Baikal’s ecosystem and are unlikely to disrupt its depths significantly. The video cameras mounted on the underwater vehicle were operated by Konstantin Kucher, a researcher at the Limnological Institute, providing crucial visual data for further study.
In summary, the exploration conducted by the underwater robot offers valuable insights into the geological dynamics of Lake Baikal, highlighting the presence of mud volcanoes and their association with an active fault zone, thus contributing to our understanding of this unique natural environment.
