Scientists find the Earth’s largest, hottest volcano

Puhahonu, a shield volcano located in the central northern Pacific near Honolulu, is mostly submerged with only a third of its volume above sea level, forming the Gardner Pinnacles. It is twice the size of Mauna Loa, the former largest known volcano. Research using sonar and gravity mapping revealed that Puhahonu's size is due to abundant magma from a hot mantle spot. The high temperature of the magma is indicated by its high forsterite content. The volcano's massive weight caused the Earth's crust and mantle to buckle, submerging most of it underwater.

What is the primary characteristic of Pujahonu that distinguishes it from Mauna Loa?

• It is a dormant volcano.

• It is located in the southern Pacific.

• It is mostly above sea level.

• It is twice the size of Mauna Loa.

What technology did scientists use to chart the ocean around Pujahonu?

• Satellite imaging

• Sonar and gravity mapping

• Underwater drones

• Thermal imaging

What geological feature contributes to the size of Pujahonu?

• A tectonic plate boundary

• A very hot spot in the mantle

• A volcanic island chain

• A cold spot in the mantle

What is unique about the magma that formed Pujahonu?

• It has the lowest temperature among Hawaii's volcanoes.

• It is the most viscous magma in the Pacific.

• It is the oldest magma in the region.

• It has the highest temperature among Hawaii's volcanoes.

What geological effect did the weight of Pujahonu have on the Earth's crust and mantle?

• It created a new tectonic plate.

• It caused a volcanic eruption.

• It buckled the crust and mantle, sinking the volcano.

• It formed a new island.