NOAA-Explored Seamounts

Many thousands of seamounts dot the ocean floor, but only a handful have been explored in any way. These mysterious peaks stand as both a challenge and an opportunity to scientists. The patterns and placement of seamounts help illuminate the geologic forces at work beneath the sea. Their diverse and abundant animal communities offer insights into evolution and adaption. Watch as researchers from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration travel to the far reaches of the sea to learn more about seamounts and their unusual faunas.

Many thousands of seamounts dot the ocean floor, but only a handful have been explored in any way. These mysterious peaks stand as both a challenge and an opportunity to scientists. The patterns and placement of seamounts help illuminate the geologic forces at work beneath the sea. Their diverse and abundant animal communities offer insights into evolution and adaption. Watch as researchers from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration travel to the far reaches of the sea to learn more about seamounts and their unusual faunas.

North American Seamounts

Click the links below to find out more about what scientists have seen at various seamounts in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Tom Shirley, Professor of Invertebrate Biology, Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks, speaks about a crab observed on his first dive of the exploration of Murray Seamount.
The Davidson team spotted several mysterious deep-sea eels during dive operations.
A surprise was the discovery of Bamboo coral being preyed upon by a sea star.

Murray Seamount

Davidson Seamount

Bear Seamount
Alex Gagnon of the California Institute of Technology discusses the use of coral fossils to tell a story of the ocean at the depth the fossils were found, during the time the corals were alive.
Video of the Milne-Edwards and Verrill Seamounts, including iridogorgia, metallogorgia, a sea spider, and an underwater vortex.
See rare first hand encounters with some of the over 590 species of deep sea fishes.

West Corner Rise Seamount Chain

Corner Rise Seamount Chain

Manning Seamount

 

To learn more about these expeditions:

Diamond Icon Murray Seamount: Exploring Alaska's Seamounts 2002

Diamond Icon Davidson Seamount: Davidson Seamount 2002

Diamond Icon Bear Seamount and Manning Seamount: Mountains in the Sea 2004: Exploring the New England Seamount Chain

Diamond Icon Corner Rise Seamount Chain: North Atlantic Stepping Stones 2005

 

Related Links

Multimedia Discovery Missions: Lesson 15 - Seamounts

Multimedia Discovery Missions: Home

NOAA Ocean Explorer: Education