Improved bathymetry leads to >4000 new seamount predictions in the global ocean - but beware of phantom seamounts!

ABSTRACT: Seamounts are important marine habitats that are hotspots of species diversity. Relatively shallow peaks, increased productivity and offshore locations make seamounts vulnerable to human impact and difficult to protect. Present estimates of seamount numbers vary from anywhere between 10,000 to more than 60,000. Seamount locations can be estimated by extracting large, cone-like features from bathymetry grids (based on criteria of size and shape). These predicted seamounts are a useful reference for marine researchers and can help direct exploratory surveys. However, these predictions are dependent on the quality of the surveys underpinning the bathymetry. Historically, quality has been patchy, but is improving as mapping efforts step up towards the target of complete seabed coverage by 2030

SUBMITTER: Yesson C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10171409 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature