OSLO, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Researchers in Norway have found freshwater pond on the seabed outside the country's western coast that is believed to have occurred during the last ice age 20,000 years ago, public broadcaster NRK reported Tuesday.
The discovery was made by researchers from the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) outside western Lofoten islands at a depth of 800 meters when they wanted to check the seabed for methane emissions, which was released by warmer seas and climate change.
The finding suggests that Norway can have several large aquifers with fresh water, hidden under the sediments on the seabed, NRK reported.
"Fresh water leaked from the seabed. It was very surprising to us," said Wei-Li Hong, NGU's researcher and marine geologist.
The pocket should be about one kilometre below the seabed, but the exact size is not yet known.
"This water contains important nutrients and chemicals. We see that this can help various life forms on the seabed. I think it can be positive for the fish, but we don't even know its extent," he told NRK.
According to the researcher, NGU also heard that fishermen in Norway's northern county of Nordland had found fresh water in the sea that they could cook coffee with.
Thomas Breen, director of Norwegian Water, a national association representing Norway's water industry, said it is still doubtful whether the newly found fresh water could become an export commodity.
"In that case it would become very lucrative bottled water. At the same time, we have the world's most extraordinary offshore expertise, so we certainly have a good foundation for being able to develop this type of technology if it should be relevant," he told NRK.
