Map showing satellite-derived bathymetry of the Pacific Ocean based on gravity (color showing depth; purple to red is deep to shallow). The West Pacific has a larger number of seamounts than the rest of the ocean basin, and these are thought to be related to one of the hotspots (yellow stars) in French Polynesia. The arrows trace the volcanic chain back to currently active volcanism.
Volcanic Hotspots
Download larger version (jpg, 753 KB).

Map showing satellite-derived bathymetry of the Pacific Ocean based on gravity (color showing depth; purple to red is deep to shallow). The West Pacific has a larger number of seamounts than the rest of the ocean basin, and these are thought to be related to one of the hotspots (yellow stars) in French Polynesia. The arrows trace the volcanic chain back to currently active volcanism.

Learn more