Chinese Scientists Uncover the Formation of Global Seamounts

Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) identified the mechanisms driving the formation of global seamounts on June 11, 2026. The research establishes a new framework for how these underwater mountains emerge from the ocean floor, according to the institution. This discovery clarifies the relationship between mantle plumes and tectonic plate movements.

Seamounts are volcanic mountains that rise from the seabed but do not reach the water’s surface. The CAS report indicates that these structures form through a complex interaction of thermal anomalies in the Earth’s mantle and the shifting of the overlying lithosphere. The findings suggest that seamount distribution is not random but follows specific geological triggers linked to mantle convection.

How did CAS scientists uncover seamount formation?

The research team used high-resolution seismic tomography and advanced computational modeling to map the subsurface structures of the ocean floor. According to the CAS, these tools allowed researchers to visualize the flow of magma from the mantle to the crust with unprecedented precision.

By analyzing seismic wave speeds, the scientists identified “thermal conduits” that funnel heat and molten rock toward the surface. The data showed that these conduits remain active longer than previously thought, allowing seamounts to grow to massive heights over millions of years.

The researchers also integrated satellite altimetry data to correlate surface gravity anomalies with the deep-earth structures they mapped. This multi-layered technical approach allowed the team to verify the formation process across different oceanic basins, rather than relying on a single geographic region.

What differs between this discovery and previous theories?

Traditional geological models, such as the hotspot theory, suggest that seamounts form in linear chains as a tectonic plate moves over a stationary plume of magma. The CAS findings introduce a more dynamic variable, suggesting that plumes can shift or merge, creating clusters of seamounts rather than simple lines.

While previous theories focused primarily on the movement of the plates, the CAS research emphasizes the internal volatility of the mantle. The report indicates that “mantle windows”—areas where the lithosphere is thin or fractured—play a larger role in triggering volcanic activity than previously recognized by the scientific community.

This contrast shifts the understanding of seamounts from being passive markers of plate movement to active indicators of deep-earth thermal dynamics. The CAS model accounts for “off-axis” seamounts that do not fit the linear patterns predicted by older models.

Why does seamount formation matter for technology and industry?

Understanding the formation of seamounts has direct implications for the deep-sea mining industry. Seamounts are often coated in ferromanganese crusts containing high concentrations of cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements used in battery technology and electronics.

The CAS research provides a predictive map for where these mineral-rich deposits are likely to occur. By identifying the geological conditions that create seamounts, companies and regulators can better locate resources without relying on expensive, random exploratory drilling.

Additionally, the discovery assists in the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Mapping the steep and irregular terrain of seamounts requires precise navigation algorithms. The geological framework provided by CAS allows engineers to build better terrain-following software for deep-sea drones.

What happens next for oceanic research?

The Chinese Academy of Sciences plans to apply this formation model to unexplored regions of the Southern Ocean. The goal is to determine if the same thermal conduits exist in colder, deeper waters, which would confirm the theory on a truly global scale.

Researchers will also look for correlations between seamount formation and the biodiversity of deep-sea ecosystems. Because seamounts redirect ocean currents, they often create nutrient-rich “oases” that support unique marine life.

The CAS indicates that the next phase of research will involve deploying a network of permanent seafloor sensors to monitor real-time seismic activity. This data will be used to refine the computational models used in the June 11 report.