Which term describes an underwater mountain that rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the surface?

A seamount is an underwater mountain that forms due to volcanic activity and rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the surface of the water. These geological features can be found in various parts of the ocean and often have a significant impact on marine biodiversity, serving as habitats for a wide range of marine life. The term emphasizes the mountain's submerged nature and distinguishes it from other features, such as an atoll, which is a ring-shaped coral reef that does reach the water's surface, or a guyot, which is a flat-topped seamount that has eroded over time. The focus on the specific characteristics of a seamount helps in understanding the dynamic processes that shape the oceanic environment.