Scientists find cause behind twin chains of underwater volcanoes

Researchers have discovered the hidden geological force that forms two parallel chains of underwater volcanoes on the ocean floor. Scientists long puzzled over why certain underwater volcanic regions split into twin lines instead of forming just a single row. The new study reveals that deep mantle plumes interact with the moving tectonic plates above in a specific way to create this dual pattern. As the heavy plates shift across hot rock rising from deep inside the Earth, the magma finds two distinct paths to break through the crust. This finding helps experts understand how the ocean floor forms and how underwater mountains grow over millions of years.