Zealandia Bank facts for kids
Zealandia Bank submarine volcano, looking toward the northeast
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 Zealandia Bank
Location in Northern Mariana Islands
Zealandia Bank
Location in North Pacific
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 16°53′N 145°51′E / 16.883°N 145.850°E |
| Archipelago | Northern Mariana Islands |
| Highest elevation | 1 m (3 ft) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| Commonwealth | Northern Mariana Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Population | - uninhabited - (2010) |
Zealandia Bank is a special place in the Pacific Ocean. It is also known as Farallon de Torres or Piedras de Torres in Spanish. In the Chamorro language, it is called Papaungan.
Zealandia Bank is made of two rocky peaks that are about 1.5 kilometers (almost a mile) apart. These peaks are part of the Northern Mariana Islands. One of the peaks sticks out of the water about 1 meter (3 feet) at low tide. The other peak usually stays under the water.
These small peaks are located about 11 nautical miles (20 kilometers) north-northeast of Sarigan island. They are found between Sarigan and Guguan islands. Because they are so small, you might not see them on most maps.
What is Zealandia Bank?
Zealandia Bank is actually the top part of an underwater volcano. This volcano has been worn down over time by the ocean. It is a very old volcano that is mostly hidden beneath the waves.
In 2004, a team from the NOAA explored the area. They found active fumaroles there. Fumaroles are vents that release steam and gases from inside the Earth. This discovery means there might still be some volcanic activity happening deep below Zealandia Bank.
Part of a Special Refuge
Zealandia Bank is one of 18 areas that make up the Mariana Arc of Fire National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is also known as the Volcanic Unit. It is part of the larger Marianas Trench Marine National Monument.
This monument helps protect the unique underwater volcanoes and deep-sea life in the Mariana Trench area. It is a very important place for science and nature.
History of the Name
Zealandia Bank got its name in 1858. It was named after a British ship called the Zealandia. This ship sailed through the area a long time ago.
Today, Zealandia Bank is part of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It is a special and uninhabited place.
See also
In Spanish: Piedras de Torres para niños
