Seamount Life Cycle Seamounts have a four-stage pattern of growth, activity, and death. Stage one is eruption. A volcano


breaks through the seafloor. Next comes the build-up stage. Te volcano spits out lava. Some seamounts break through the ocean’s surface. Stage three is erosion. Wind and rain grind down a seamount above the ocean’s surface. Below the surface, ocean currents create wear and tear. Finally, the seamount begins to sink.


Food Chains Scientists are noticing the richness and biodiversity of seamounts. A seamount’s height changes ocean


currents. Its slopes force water up its sides. Water moves faster around seamounts than in the open ocean. Tis stirring action brings food to


corals. It causes plankton populations to grow. Fish species that feed on plankton grow, too. All of these fish attract predators like tuna, sharks, and even whales.


anemone shrimp


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