A previously unexplored ridge (The Gakkel Ridge) located between Siberia and Greenland is soon to be analyzed. A group of researchers hope that some newly developed robots will aid them in their mission. Scientists think that this region hosts many specimens of undiscovered life. Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on Cape Cod will begin a special 40-day expedition on the ridge on July 1^st. Robots will navigate and map the terrain together with sampling any life forms found in the area. Tim Shank is the lead biologist on the expedition. He declared:

“I almost think it’s like going to Australia for the first time, knowing it’s there, but not knowing what lives there. Even though we know there’s a strong probability, or there’s a reasonable probability of losing a vehicle, it’s still worth it”

The reason behind the belief of finding new life forms is that there are hot springs in the area that are found at tectonic boundaries, in a zone where magma comes in direct contact with ocean water. Life forms that appeared 25 million years ago are expected to be found according to Robert Reves-Sohn, lead scientist on the expedition.

The two robots used for the mission will be called Jaguar and Puma. They cost around $450,000 each and their existence was made possible after special funding from NASA. It will be a test for them as similar conditions were found under the ice of a Jupiter moon. Nasa is hoping to use Puma and Jaguar in an expedition there.