A team of scientists aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy has discovered a massive underwater volcano-like structure in the Arctic Ocean near Alaska. The formation, located over 1,600 meters below the surface, was found during a seafloor mapping project. The discovery sheds light on the largely unexplored underwater terrain in this region.

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• Underwater structure discovered near Alaska, over 1,600 meters below the surface.
• Possible gas plume detected rising from the formation.
• Found during a seafloor mapping project led by the Coast Guard Cutter Healy.
• The Healy is the U.S. Coast Guard’s only icebreaker supporting scientific research.
• Research involved NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and the University of New Hampshire.
• Part of the Alaskan Arctic Coast Port Access Route Study to enhance maritime safety.
• Discovery poses no threat to land due to its depth.
• Underwater volcanoes, or seamounts, are common but often unexplored.
• Healy returned to Seattle after completing the Arctic deployment.
• Scientists emphasize the importance of Arctic research for navigation and exploration.