Uncharted Depths: Ocean Floor Volcanoes Revealed

Scientists have uncovered 73 unknown volcanic calderas on the ocean floor. These massive craters form when volcanoes erupt and collapse. Most of Earth's volcanic activity happens under the ocean, often along tectonic plate boundaries.

The discovery was made using an algorithm originally designed to find impact craters on Mars. It scanned the seafloor and identified 87,435 possible structures. After checking, 73 likely volcanic calderas were confirmed. Only about 30 submarine calderas were known before this study.

Submarine calderas can be hazardous. They can erupt and cause tsunamis. The 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption showed how destructive underwater volcanoes can be. It produced a tsunami 45 meters tall. Some of the newly found calderas are in areas that could erupt.

The researchers used topographical data to find the calderas. They found them on mid-ocean ridges, in volcanic arcs, and within tectonic plates. The study showed that calderas within plates might be younger and more hazardous.

Understanding where these calderas are is crucial to prevent major disruptions. The team wants to study the calderas near subduction zones first. Improved mapping techniques will help assess hazards better in the future. Many of the calderas are likely extinct, but those in active areas need further study.