Oceanic Plateaus

Oceanic plateaus are large, flat, submerged areas of the ocean floor formed by massive volcanic eruptions that produce thick, extensive layers of lava. These features are much flatter and broader than typical underwater mountains and can reach hundreds of kilometers across. They develop when huge volumes of magma quickly erupt and spread across the seafloor, creating elevated regions. Oceanic plateaus are significant in Earth's geology because they can influence ocean currents, affect marine life, and are often associated with notable geological events like continental breakups or mass extinctions. Examples include the Ontong Java Plateau in the Pacific Ocean.