If a seamount gets large enough to break the ocean surface, it becomes a volcanic island. Harris et al. Seamounts are formed through a volcanic process that involved the extrusion of lava from its source in the earth’s mantle to the seafloor. Start studying Geology Chapter 16. Of all of the seamounts in the Pacific, guyots have the most varied geology and therefore the most varied habitats for animals to live. Seamounts, Guyots and Banks share a common characteristic as biological hot spots that support abundant plant and animal communities. Guyots support a wide range of organisms, such as this unidentified cnidarian that resembles a Venus flytrap, found on the slopes of the Davidson Seamount.. Seamounts are formed by volcanic activity and can be taller than 10,000 feet.They can be isolated or part of large mountain chains. Guyots show evidence of having once been above the surface, with gradual subsidence through stages from fringed reefed mountain, coral atoll, and finally a flat-topped submerged mountain. 4.9 Seamounts and Hot Spots Modified from "Physical Geology" by Steven Earle* The ocean floor is dotted with seamounts, some isolated and some in chains.Seamounts are underwater volcanoes, and most are much younger than the oceanic crust on which they formed. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Photo Credit: Amy Baco-Taylor, WHOI Although land areas are very limited in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands at less than six square miles, the relatively shallow underwater habitats (0 – 600 feet below the surface) are extensive. Formation. Guyots may once have had their summits above the water surface but gradually subsided through several phases from fringed reefed mountains to coral atolls, and eventually to flat-topped seamounts. When these flat-topped seamounts eventually sink back down to deep water, they are called guyots. Guyot is a see also of seamount. As nouns the difference between guyot and seamount is that guyot is (oceanography) a flat-topped seamount while seamount is a mountain that rises from the floor of the ocean and does not breach the water's surface. Also called tablemount(s)” (IHO, 2008). Guyots – Guyots (pronounced “Ghe Oh’s”) are “an isolated (or group of) seamount (s) having a comparatively smooth flat top. The base and flanks of a guyot …

guyots and seamounts