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Detailed File Information
Formation of Seamounts
File Name m00008.img.750.seamount.formation.jpg
Data Type model cartoon
Computer Program Adobe Illustrator CS2
File Size 2.68 MB - 2 files [ jpg,pdf ]
Expert Level Middle School (Grade 6-8)
Contributor ERESE Database Team
Source Enduring Resources for Earth Science Education (ERESE)
Resource Matrix The Formation of Seamounts
Description
In this cartoon the evolution of a seamount is shown in four stages. The evolution starts with active volcanism and the formation of a fringing reef around the volcanic islands. As volcanism stops after a few millions of years, the volcano erodes and subsides, until it drowns in the last stages of the seamount formation. If coral growth can keep up with the subsidence, then an atoll will form. This assumes though that the seamount is located near the equator in the tropics to allow for coral growth.
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