What is a seamount?
Q: What is a seamount?
A: A seamount is a mountain rising from the ocean sea floor. It does not reach to the water's surface (sea level), and so is not an island. These are usually formed from submarine volcanoes, and are typically 1,000–4,000 metres (3,000–13,000 ft) in height from the sea floor.
Q: How many seamounts are estimated to exist around the world?
A: There are an estimated 100,000 seamounts around the globe.
Q: What type of organisms can be found on or near seamounts?
A: Interactions between seamounts and underwater currents attract plankton, corals, fish, and cetacea alike.
Q: How have commercial fishing industries been impacted by seamounts?
A: Their effect has been noted by the commercial fishing industry, and many seamounts support extensive fisheries. However there are concerns about the effect of fishing on these ecosystems due to stock decline caused by bottom trawling which scrapes whole ecosystems off of them.
Q: What technologies can be used to collect data about unexplored or unmapped seamounts?
A: Bathymetry and satellite altimetry are two technologies used to collect data about unexplored or unmapped seamounts.
Q: Are there any dangers associated with uncharted or unknown seamounts?
A: Yes - naval vessels have collided with uncharted seamounts in some cases; however the greatest danger from these features may come from flank collapses as they get older which could cause massive tsunamis if they occur near populated areas.
