Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Scientists aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy have identified a potential underwater volcano while mapping the seafloor off Alaska’s coast. The structure, which sits more than 1,600 meters beneath the ocean’s surface, was detected during a research project in the Arctic Ocean.
The research team observed a possible gas plume rising from the volcanic-like structure, indicating potential volcanic activity. However, since the formation is located deep under the water, it poses no immediate threat to land-based areas.
Captain Meghan McGovern from NOAA described the discovery as “exciting,” highlighting its potential to shed light on the largely unexplored areas beneath the ocean’s surface in the Arctic region.
The Coast Guard Cutter Healy is the U.S. Coast Guard’s primary icebreaker, designed to support research missions. It played a key role in mapping the seafloor and providing access for scientific exploration in the Arctic.
The research was conducted by a team from the National Science Foundation, University of New Hampshire, and NOAA. The mission was part of a larger study focused on improving vessel routing and avoiding potential underwater hazards.
The main goal of the Alaskan Arctic Coast Port Access Route Study was to assess the need for new navigation measures to reduce ship collisions and prevent accidents in the region’s waters, where soundings are limited.
The Cutter Healy has since returned to Seattle after departing for its Arctic deployment in June. Captain Michele Schallip emphasized the importance of such research in the high-latitude environment, working toward enhanced navigation safety.
While underwater volcanoes don’t produce the dramatic eruptions seen on land, their activity is a continuous process that shapes the ocean floor. Scientists estimate that millions of volcanoes may exist on the ocean floor, most of which are located in the Pacific Ocean.