Scientists are discovering amazing, never-before-seen phenomena hidden in Earth's realm almost every day.
When it comes to the ins and outs of our world, there seems to be no end to the mysteries we have yet to unravel.
Scientists mapping the ocean floor off the coast of Guatemala discovered a massive underwater mountain.
At 5,249 ft (1,600 m) high, the seamount was reported to be twice as tall as the Burj Khalifa (2,722 ft), the world's tallest building.
The discovery was made by experts from the Schmidt Ocean Institute, by using a "multibeam echosounder" aboard the research vessel Falco. Remarkably, this massive mountain lies at a depth of 7,874 feet below the ocean surface.
Wendy Schmidt, co-founder and president of Schmidt Ocean Institute said in a statement: "On every expedition, those aboard Falkor (too) have found the unexpected, the awe-inspiring, the new.
"While there is so much we’ve come to understand as discoveries tumble ever faster into view, so much remains unknown in our Ocean–and we are thrilled to continue exploring."
The researchers say the mountain covers 5.4 square miles (14 square kilometers), and the seamount sits 7,874ft (2,400m) below sea level.
The team discovered it by chance during a six-day crossing this summer from Puntarenas, Costa Rica, towards the East Pacific Rise.
Dr. Jyotika Virmani, executive director of SOI, said: "A seamount over 1.5 kilometers tall which has, until now, been hidden under the waves really highlights how much we have yet to discover.
"A complete seafloor map is a fundamental element of understanding our Ocean so it’s exciting to be living in an era where technology allows us to map and see these amazing parts of our planet for the first time!"
Recent satellite-based estimates indicate there could be more than 100,000 unexplored seamounts taller than 3,280ft (1,000m), according to the institute.
