Exploring Depths: Mountain Thrice Burj Khalifa’s Height Found

Scientists have made a stunning discovery of a new underwater mountain that is three times taller than the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The mountain, or seamount, is located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Guatemala and measures 2,681 meters (8,796 feet) in height.

How was the underwater mountain discovered?

The underwater mountain was discovered by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, a nonprofit organization that aims to advance the understanding of the ocean through cutting-edge research and technology. The institute was using its research vessel Falkor (too) to map the seafloor using a multibeam echosounder, a device that uses sound waves to measure the depth and shape of the ocean floor.

The institute’s experts noticed four previously unknown seamounts in an area of about 14 square kilometers (5.4 square miles) and decided to investigate them further. They confirmed that the seamounts were not included in any existing ocean depth databases and that one of them was exceptionally large and tall.

Why is the underwater mountain important?

The underwater mountain is important for several reasons. First, it adds to the knowledge of the ocean’s topography, which is still largely unexplored and unknown. According to the Schmidt Ocean Institute, only about 20% of the world’s ocean floor has been mapped to date.

Second, it provides a habitat for a rich diversity of marine life, including deep-sea corals, sponges, anemones, fish and other organisms. These creatures depend on the seamounts for food, shelter and a place to attach themselves. The seamounts also act as natural barriers that influence the ocean currents and nutrient distribution.

Third, it offers a potential source of valuable minerals and resources that could be exploited in the future. Seamounts are often formed by volcanic activity and may contain deposits of metals such as copper, zinc, gold and silver. However, mining these resources could also pose environmental risks and ethical challenges.

What are the next steps for exploring the underwater mountain?

The Schmidt Ocean Institute plans to continue its exploration of the underwater mountain and other seamounts in the region using its remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian. The ROV can dive up to 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) deep and collect samples, images and videos of the seafloor and its inhabitants.

The institute also hopes to collaborate with other researchers and organizations to share its data and findings and to raise awareness about the importance of ocean exploration and conservation. The institute’s executive director Dr. Jyotika Virmani said in a press release: “A seamount over 1.5 kilometers tall, which has until now been hidden under the waves really highlights how much we have yet to discover.”

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