SUMMARY
A new seamount has been discovered off the coast of California, characterized by its tower-like shape, rising approximately 3,300 feet with a diameter of nearly 3,000 feet. The summit lies 11,352 feet below sea level, and the crater at its peak is 1,200 feet deep. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, this feature qualifies as a seamount due to its vertical relief exceeding 1,000 meters. California is home to at least 63 seamounts, primarily located 100 miles offshore, with ages ranging from 10 to 25 million years, and none are currently active volcanoes.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of seafloor mapping technology
- Knowledge of geological terms such as "seamount" and "subduction"
- Familiarity with the U.S. Geological Survey's classification criteria for seamounts
- Basic knowledge of tectonic plate dynamics, particularly the Farallon Plate
NEXT STEPS
- Research seafloor mapping drones and their applications in geological surveys
- Study the geological history of the Farallon Plate and its impact on California's landscape
- Explore the characteristics and classifications of seamounts in marine geology
- Investigate the tectonic activity in the Pacific Northwest, particularly around the Three Sisters and Mt. St. Helens
USEFUL FOR
Geologists, marine researchers, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in underwater geological formations and tectonic activity in California.