List of submarine volcanoes facts for kids

Map of world's major seamounts.

Imagine huge mountains and volcanoes, not on land, but deep under the ocean! These are called submarine volcanoes and seamounts. A submarine volcano is an underwater volcano that can erupt and sometimes even grow so tall it breaks the surface of the water, forming a new island. A seamount is a mountain under the sea that doesn't reach the surface. Scientists believe there are between 40,000 and 55,000 seamounts in our oceans, but most of them haven't been fully explored or even named yet! This article lists some of the most famous and well-known ones.

What are Submarine Volcanoes and Seamounts?

Submarine volcanoes are openings in the Earth's crust found underwater. When they erupt, they release hot lava, ash, and gases into the ocean. This process is similar to volcanoes on land, but it happens under immense water pressure. The water cools the lava quickly, often forming unique pillow-shaped rocks.

Seamounts are like mountains or hills that rise from the ocean floor but do not reach the water's surface. Most seamounts are extinct volcanoes, meaning they are no longer active. They can be found in every ocean basin around the world.

Where Do We Find Them?

These underwater giants are found all over the world. Many of them are located along mid-ocean ridges, which are underwater mountain ranges where new ocean floor is created. They can also form over hotspots, which are areas where magma rises from deep within the Earth. The map above shows where many of the major seamounts are located.

Why Are They Important?

Submarine volcanoes and seamounts are incredibly important for several reasons:

• Ocean Life: They create unique habitats for many different kinds of ocean creatures. The slopes of seamounts can cause ocean currents to swirl, bringing up nutrients from the deep. This helps small organisms grow, which then become food for larger animals. Many rare and unique species live around these underwater mountains.
• Scientific Study: Studying them helps scientists understand how the Earth's crust moves and how volcanoes work. They also give us clues about the history of our planet.
• Mineral Resources: Some seamounts contain valuable minerals that have been deposited by volcanic activity.

Famous Underwater Mountains

Here are a few notable submarine volcanoes and seamounts from around the world:

• Axial Seamount (United States): This is one of the most studied submarine volcanoes. It's located off the coast of Oregon and has erupted several times, most recently in 2015. Scientists use special equipment to monitor its activity.
• Bowie Seamount (Canada): Located off the coast of British Columbia, this seamount is a protected marine area. It's known for its rich marine life, including corals, sponges, and many fish species. It last erupted about 18,000 years ago.
• Kamaʻehuakanaloa Seamount (United States): Also known as Lōʻihi, this is an active submarine volcano near Hawaii. It's expected to eventually break the surface and become a new Hawaiian island in tens of thousands of years! Its last known eruption was in 1996.
• Kick 'em Jenny (Grenada): This active submarine volcano is located in the Caribbean Sea. It's known for its frequent eruptions, which can sometimes cause small tsunamis. It last erupted in 2015.
• Kolumbo (Greece): This active underwater volcano is near the island of Santorini. Its last major eruption was in 1650, which caused a large tsunami.
• Monowai Seamount (New Zealand): This is one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the Kermadec Arc. It erupts frequently, sometimes multiple times a year, and its summit changes shape often. Its last eruption was in 2008.
• Protector Shoal (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands): This active volcano in the South Atlantic last erupted in 1962. It's part of a chain of volcanoes.
• Vailuluʻu (American Samoa): This active submarine volcano is growing and has a unique "cone" forming inside its crater, which scientists have named "Nafanua."

See also

• Lists of volcanoes
• Submarine volcanoes topics
• Submarine topography
• List of seamounts in the Southern Ocean