It is structurally similar to the nearby Guide, Pioneer, Gumdrop, and Davidson seamounts, all located roughly between 37.5° and 34.0° degrees North latitude.

The seamount structures run parallel to an ancient spreading center which has since been replaced in its role by the San Andreas Fault system.

Another slump area to the west flank has blocky debris on it, suggesting that the base of the volcano has also started collapsing into itself.

[2] Rodriguez Seamount once extended above sea level, resulting in a flat, sediment-covered summit that is coated with beach sands of ancient origin.

Observations made during the expedition confirmed theories that the seamount had once been above sea level, and has since subsided about 750 m (2,461 ft) from its former height.