Tamu Massif Volcano: World's largest volcano on earth discovered under Pacific Ocean

Geologists have recently discovered world's largest volcano on earth underneath the Pacific Ocean.

Researchers, led by University of Houston professor William Sager discovered the world's largest volcano (Tamu Massif) on earth.

Tamu Massif volcano, world's largest volcano on earth is a part of the Shatsky Rise, a deep plateau on the floor of the Pacific located around 1,600 kilometres east of Japan.

Tamu Massif volcano covers around 310,000 square kilometres, an area about the size of the British Isles.

Tamu Massif volcano is an inactive shield volcano located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and now the largest volcano on Earth and one of the largest in the solar system (Wikipedia).

The largest active volcano on earth, Mauna Loa in Hawaii is about 2,000 square miles (5,200 square kilometers).

Scientists are still trying to work out the details of how World's largest volcano Tamu Massif on Earth was formed.

The name Tamu comes from Texas A&M University, where professor William Sager taught for 29 years before moving to the University of Houston this year, AFP reported.

Tamu Massif Volcano Facts
Tamu Massif volcano is an inactive shield volcano located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and now the largest volcano on Earth and one of the largest in the solar system. Tamu Massif volcano was formed about 145 million years ago.
Tamu Massif volcano is only 20% smaller than the giant volcano Olympus Mons on Mars.

Photo: Tamu Massif volcano 3D image/Will Sager

Original post: Natural Disasters List September 5, 2013