Sea Floor Secrets: Twin Volcanoes Found to be Taller Than Everest, with 4.2km of Their Heights Hidden Beneath the Ocean’s Surface
Deep beneath the waves, a remarkable geological discovery has been made, hidden from human eyes for millions of years. Twin volcanoes, towering giants of the sea floor, have been located, and their true heights are utterly astonishing. Measuring over 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles) in height, these underwater mountain giants surpass the height of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, by an astonishing 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles).
The discovery
The twin volcanoes, referred to as Tamu Massif and Shatsky Rise, lie in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) apart off the coast of Japan. Researchers used advanced sonar and seismic technology to uncover the hidden giants, which were previously uncharted. The discovery was made through a collaborative effort between the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and the University of Tokyo.
The significance
These colossal seamounts, formed by a volcanic hotspot, have been active for millions of years, with an estimated age of around 30-40 million years. Their incredible size and shape are a testament to the immense geological forces that have shaped our planet. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into marine geology, oceanography, and the Earth’s history.
[Image: A 3D visualization of the twin volcanoes, Tamu Massif and Shatsky Rise. Illustration by JAMSTEC]
The challenges and fascination
Exploring the deep-sea environment is a daunting task due to the extreme conditions: crushing pressures, near-freezing temperatures, and limited visibility. The discovery of these mega-volcanoes highlights humanity’s continued fascination with the largely unexplored ocean floor, which covers over 70% of our planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How were these volcanoes formed?
A: Through a process called seafloor spreading, where magma rises to the surface, creating new ocean crust as the Earth’s plates move apart.
Q: What is the significance of these seamounts?
A: They provide clues to the Earth’s geological history, evolution of the ocean floor, and understanding of the Earth’s mantle dynamics.
Q: How were the volcanoes discovered?
A: Using sonar and seismic technology, researchers identified the shape and size of the seamounts, which were previously unknown.
Q: Are these volcanoes still active?
A: The exact status of their current activity is unknown, but it’s speculated that they may have been dormant for millions of years.
Q: What’s next for these discoveries?
A: Further exploration and research will be conducted to examine the seamounts’ composition, geochemistry, and potential for biodiversity.
As we continue to expand our knowledge of the ocean floor, we begin to unravel the secrets of our vast and mysterious planet. The discovery of the Tamu Massif and Shatsky Rise seamounts is an exemplary reminder of the awe-inspiring wonders hiding beneath the waves, waiting to be unearthed.
