A seamount chain is a series of underwater mountains formed by volcanic activity. These mountains rise from the ocean floor but do not reach the surface of the water. Seamounts can vary in size and shape, and they often create unique ecosystems that support diverse marine life. Seamount chains are typically found along tectonic plate boundaries or hotspots, where magma from the Earth's mantle pushes through the crust. An example of a well-known seamount chain is the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain, which extends from the Hawaiian Islands northwest into the Arctic Ocean.