Artificial intelligence capabilities are no longer limited to data analysis or space exploration; they have become a new tool for uncovering Earth’s secrets. A team of scientists used an intelligent algorithm trained to detect volcanic craters on Mars, and were surprised to find 73 previously unknown volcanic craters at the bottom of the oceans.

This discovery opens a new window into understanding the hidden volcanic activity beneath the seas for thousands of years, as most volcanic activity on Earth occurs far from human eyes in the depths of the sea. Researchers believe that these findings could help create a more accurate picture of underwater volcanic activity and improve the ability to assess the risks associated with such natural phenomena.

How did artificial intelligence help find hidden volcanoes?

Led by volcanologist Andrea Veroleno from Paris-Saclay University in France, researchers relied on an advanced algorithm to analyze large amounts of data about the ocean floor topography. The algorithm was originally designed to identify volcanic craters on Mars, but it also proved capable of detecting similar geological shapes beneath Earth’s waters.

The algorithm started by examining more than 87,000 potential underwater formations before the large number of results was filtered to exclude non-volcanic configurations. After scientific review, the team came up with a list of 78 possible volcanic craters, including five that were previously known and 73 that are potentially new discoveries, according to sciencealert.

A hidden world of volcanoes under the oceans

Although images of volcanoes usually evoke images of fiery mountains on land, most volcanic activity on Earth occurs at the bottom of the ocean. There, tectonic plates are constantly moving apart, collide or slide over each other, allowing magma to rise and form new volcanoes.

These underwater eruptions are often relatively calm, especially along mid-ocean ridges, but they can sometimes turn into violent events capable of causing widespread effects.

The eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai in Tonga in 2022 was a clear example of the power of these phenomena. It caused large-scale tsunami waves and generated pressure waves that reached great heights, making it one of the most powerful volcanic events in recent times.

The researchers noted that some of the newly discovered craters are located in areas that could be important for understanding underwater volcanic risks, especially those found in complex tectonic environments or near marine mountain ranges.

Scientists emphasize that the goal is not only to create a new list of hidden volcanoes, but also to develop an updatable method for building a more comprehensive global map of underwater volcanic activity.