[4] Geological studies have demonstrated unique features with implications on understanding of ocean island basalt volcanism.

[5] Contracts exist with the International Seabed Authority to exploit the areas potential mineral wealth.

[6] The Magellan Seamounts extend from 11°00′N 151°00′E / 11.0°N 151.0°E / 11.0; 151.0 to 18°00′N 157°00′E / 18.0°N 157.0°E / 18.0; 157.0 [1] They include: The volcanoes are part of a hotspot chain whose formation ages are in the range 121 to 86 million years ago.

[10][7][8][13] However recently sampling has shown secondary volcanic activity at about 20 million years ago.

[5] Given their age the guyots have also had sedimentary deposits which have been characterised as reef and planktonic limestones.