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Scientists Map 19,000 Previously Unknown Undersea Volcanoes

A team of oceanographers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and other institutions has mapped 19,000 previously unknown undersea volcanoes in the world's oceans using radar satellite data. The satellites cannot actually see the seamounts; instead they measure the altitude of the sea surface, which changes due to changes in gravitational pull related to seafloor topography; an effect known as sea mounding. In their paper the group describes how they used radar satellite data to measure seawater mounding to find and map undersea volcanoes and explains why it is important that it be done. Undersea volcanoes have a very strong impact on deep-sea ocean flow. As currents run into seamounts, they are pushed upward, carrying colder water with them, and mix in unknown ways. Mapping such currents has become more important as the oceans absorb more heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The higher than expected number of undersea volcanoes would cause more vertical mixing of sea water which would allow more heat and CO2 to be mixed into the deep oceans than currently projected by climate models.

[phys.org]

1patriot 9 May 2
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Now we know where to seek new submarine adventures! 👍🏽

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