Trending Now - Scientists Discover Ancient Volcano 6,500 Feet Underwater
WHO:
Dr. William Sager, University of Houston, lead researcher
Research team involved in the study published in Nature Geoscience
WHAT:
Discovery of the Tamu Massif, identified as the largest single volcano ever discovered on Earth
The massif spans roughly 120,000 square miles
The volcano's summit lies about 6,500 feet below the ocean surface
The base of the volcano reaches depths close to 4 miles
The Tamu Massif formed around 145 million years ago and became inactive shortly afterward
Comparison made to Olympus Mons on Mars, the solar system’s largest volcano
WHERE:
Tamu Massif located in the Shatsky Rise, approximately 1,000 miles east of Japan
The structure is buried 6,500 feet below sea level
WHEN:
The Tamu Massif was formed around 145 million years ago
Study published in 2026
WHY:
The discovery challenges previous interpretations of oceanic plateaus
Understanding how massive eruptions from Earth’s interior can shape the seafloor
HOW:
Identification of the volcano through seismic-reflection data revealing continuous lava flows
The structure was previously treated as three separate mounds before being recognized as one continuous volcanic system
(UPDATED March 23, 2026 04:01 UTC)
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Geoscience, Dr. William Sager and his research team from the University of Houston have identified the Tamu Massif as the largest single volcano ever discovered on Earth, spanning roughly 120,000 square miles and lying about 6,500 feet below the ocean surface. Located in the Shatsky Rise, approximately 1,000 miles east of Japan, this massive structure formed around 145 million years ago and challenges previous interpretations of oceanic plateaus by revealing how massive eruptions from Earth’s interior can shape the seafloor. The identification of the Tamu Massif was made possible through seismic-reflection data that uncovered continuous lava flows, previously misidentified as three separate mounds.