Scientists discover massive seamount and rare marine species in Pacific Ocean

Oceanographers led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute in California have discovered a massive underwater mountain in the Pacific Ocean, 900 miles off the coast of Chile, the CNN reported.

The seamount, which rises 3,109 meters (1.9 miles) from the ocean floor, is part of an extensive underwater mountain range. To put its height in perspective, the seamount is nearly four times the height of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

This discovery was made during a 28-day expedition using the research vessel R/V Falkor (too), equipped with advanced sonar technology to map the seabed.

The newly mapped seamount is home to a rich variety of marine life, including sponge gardens, ancient corals, and rare species.

Among the most exciting finds were a ghostly white Casper octopus, seen for the first time in the southern Pacific, and a previously unknown species of squid, Promachoteuthis, captured on film alive for the first time.

These discoveries underscore the significance of the seamounts as vital habitats for marine biodiversity.