Jasper Seamount

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Jasper Seamount is an underwater volcano off the west coast of Baja California, Mexico, on the Fieberling-Guadalupe seamount track. The volcano rises from about 4,000 meters below the ocean surface to a summit about 700 meters below the surface, so it stands roughly 3.3 kilometers above the sea floor. Its total volume is about 690 cubic kilometers.

The seamount is elongated, with a summit that runs northwest to northeast and several volcanic cones at the top. Scientists have studied it with dredge samples and ocean-bottom seismometers to observe earthquakes and learn about its internal structure.

Geologically, Jasper Seamount resembles the Hawaiian Islands. More than 90% of its rocks are basalt, ranging from pillow lava to other forms, and they show a shift toward more alkaline compositions over time. The rocks keep a nearly constant silicon dioxide level, indicating a steady degree of mantle melting.

Jasper Seamount formed between 11.5 and 10 million years ago. Its flanks formed around 8.7 to 7.5 million years ago, and the summit emerged about 4.8 to 4.1 million years ago. Although Jasper is much smaller than Hawaii, its rock type and growth pattern are very similar, supporting the idea that many seamounts go through the same life cycle regardless of size.