Lecointe Guyot

Lecointe Guyot is a flat-topped submarine volcano, or guyot, on the ocean floor. Its level summit was shaped by erosion when the volcanic island was near sea level before sinking.

A guyot usually has a flat summit because waves eroded the volcano when it stood closer to the surface. Later, the seafloor subsided and left the former island underwater.

Submarine mountains create hard surfaces and currents that can support corals, sponges, fish, and other deep-sea organisms. The exact communities depend on depth, water temperature, and food supply.

Lecointe Guyot is generally described as an ancient, submerged volcanic structure rather than a currently erupting volcano. A flat summit and deep-ocean setting are typical signs of an extinct or inactive guyot.