The newly discovered seamount, taller than Burj Khalifa, is significant for its rich marine biodiversity and the limited mapping of the seafloor.
Jyotika Virmani emphasizes the importance of mapping, noting that only 26% of the seafloor is mapped well despite it covering 71% of the planet.
The underwater mountain, spanning 70 square kilometers, harbors unique marine species, including sponge gardens, ancient corals, and a newly filmed squid.
With an estimated 100,000 seamounts exceeding 1,000 meters globally, this discovery highlights the critical habitats these structures provide for diverse marine life.
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