Topic
Seamounts
Seamounts: Oases of Life
Fact Sheet. Seamounts are hotspots for biodiversity in the deep sea. As sub-surface currents come in contact with these underwater mountains exposing rocky surfaces, they provide hard substrate on which sessile organisms like corals and sponges can attach. The upwelling of currents around seamounts also drive nutrients up from the seafloor, supplying food for many organisms. This creates an incredibly diverse “oasis of life”. This resource explains how seamounts support biodiversity based on their geologic structures and their impact on surrounding ocean currents. Download the PDF for the full version of this Fact Sheet.