Scientists discover large underwater volcano off Alaska coast

During a seafloor mapping project, scientists aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy discovered what they believe to be a large underwater volcano. The discovery occurred approximately 1,600 meters below the surface, off the Alaskan coast in the northwest United States.
The team, comprised of Coast Guard personnel and experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship Fairweather, detected a potential gas plume rising from the formation. However, due to the volcano’s depth, experts believe it poses no immediate threat.
“These findings are exciting and offer insight into what may exist beneath the ocean’s surface, much of which is unknown in this region,” BBC quoted captain Meghan McGovern from NOAA as saying.
The discovery was made during the Alaskan Arctic Coast Port Access Route Study, a mission primarily focused on ensuring safe navigation for ships in the region by identifying potential hazards. The Coast Guard Cutter Healy, the organization’s only icebreaker designed for research, is playing a key role in this ongoing project.