About Seamount X
Seamount X is a stratovolcano rising to -1,230 meters (-4,036 feet) in United States's Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Seamount X is located in United States, within the Mariana Volcanic Arc of the broader Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 13.25° N, 144.02° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With an elevation of -1,230 meters — below sea level — Seamount X is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature. Submarine volcanoes make up the majority of Earth's volcanic activity, though most eruptions go unobserved beneath the ocean surface. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Seamount X sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in United States near Seamount X, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
Hydrothermal activity was detected during a 2003 NOAA expedition at a submarine volcano about 70 km WSW of Guam. The summit of the volcano, referred to as Seamount X, lies 1,230 m below the ocean surface. Diffuse sites of thermal venting colonized by shrimps, crabs, and scaleworms were detected near the summit during a 2006 NOAA expedition, and thick deposits of sulfur flows originating from the hydrothermal vent were observed that were covered with thousands of squat lobsters. Basaltic rocks were recovered along with sulfur samples. The summit of the volcano is cut by an elongated caldera.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Seamount X.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Seamount X
Is Seamount X an active volcano?+
Seamount X is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Unrest / Holocene." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Seamount X?+
Seamount X has a summit elevation of -1,230 meters (-4,036 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -1,230 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Seamount X?+
Seamount X is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Seamount X located?+
Seamount X is located in United States, in the Northwestern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Mariana Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 13.250° latitude, 144.020° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Seamount X?+
Seamount X can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. United States may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
