American Oceans

Do Volcanoes Occur Underwater?

Volcanoes are one of the most fascinating natural phenomena on Earth. They are known for their explosive eruptions and the devastating effects they can have on people and the environment.

hawaii hot spot geologically underneath unique underwater location

But did you know that volcanoes can also occur in the ocean? Yes, that’s right.

Underwater volcanoes, also known as submarine volcanoes, are a geologic feature that can be found on the ocean floor.

Submarine volcanoes are formed when magma rises from the Earth’s interior and erupts underwater.

The magma can come from a variety of sources, including hotspots, spreading centers, and subduction zones.

When the magma reaches the surface, it can create a new volcano or add to an existing one, forming chains of seamounts or underwater mountain ranges.

These volcanoes can be just as active as their terrestrial counterparts, producing lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and even tsunamis.


Volcanoes in the Ocean

Oceanic volcanoes, also known as underwater volcanoes or submarine volcanoes, are volcanic structures that are located on the ocean floor.

an underwater volcano leaking magma into the ocean

These volcanoes are formed by the movement of tectonic plates and the release of magma from the Earth’s interior.

Types of Oceanic Volcanoes

There are several types of oceanic volcanoes, including shield volcanoes, submarine calderas, and seamounts.

Shield volcanoes are characterized by their broad, gently sloping sides and are formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava flows.

Submarine calderas are formed when the roof of a magma chamber collapses, creating a large depression. Seamounts are underwater mountains that do not reach the surface of the ocean.

How Oceanic Volcanoes Form

Oceanic volcanoes are typically formed at spreading centers, where tectonic plates move away from each other, or at hotspots, where magma rises from the Earth’s interior.

At spreading centers, magma rises to the surface and solidifies, forming new oceanic crust. Hotspots are areas where magma rises from the mantle, creating volcanic islands or chains of seamounts.

Volcanic eruptions at oceanic volcanoes can cause significant damage, including tsunamis and the release of gases and ash into the atmosphere.

However, underwater volcanic eruptions are often less visible than those on land and can be difficult for scientists to study.

Oceanic volcanoes are important geologic features that contribute to the formation of the Earth’s crust and the creation of fertile soils. They also play a role in the global carbon cycle by releasing gases into the atmosphere.


Oceanic Volcanoes and Tectonic Plates

Volcanic activity is widespread over the earth, but tends to be concentrated in specific locations.

a diver exploring near an underwater volcano

Volcanoes are most likely to occur along the margins of tectonic plates, especially in subduction zones where oceanic plates dive under continental plates.

As the oceanic plate subducts beneath the surface, it melts and forms magma that rises to the surface, creating a chain of volcanoes above the subducting plate.

Tectonic Plates and Oceanic Volcanoes

The Earth’s outer shell is divided into pieces called plates. Most volcanoes, mountains, and earthquakes occur where plates meet.

Places where plates meet are called plate boundaries. There are seven major plates along with countless minor plates. You can see that a plate can be made of both oceanic crust and continental crust.

When two plates meet, they can either move apart, slide past each other, or collide. When two plates collide, one may be pushed beneath the other in a process called subduction.

Hotspots and Oceanic Volcanoes

Hotspots are areas of intense volcanic activity that are not associated with plate boundaries.

They are thought to be caused by mantle plumes, which are columns of hot, molten rock that rise from deep within the Earth.

As the plume rises, it melts the overlying crust, creating a volcano. The Hawaiian Islands are a chain of volcanic islands that were formed by a hotspot.

Subduction Zones and Oceanic Volcanoes

Subduction zones are areas where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. As the plate sinks into the mantle, it begins to melt and form magma.

This magma rises to the surface and forms a chain of volcanoes above the subducting plate.

The Ring of Fire is a region around the Pacific Ocean where many subduction zones are located, resulting in a high concentration of volcanic activity.

Add comment