* Seamount: A seamount is an underwater mountain, rising from the ocean floor but not reaching the surface. It's essentially a submerged volcano that never broke the surface of the water.
* Volcanic Island: A volcanic island is formed when a volcano erupts and its cone rises above sea level, creating land. It's a visible part of a volcano that protrudes above the water.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Seamount | Volcanic Island |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | Submerged, does not reach sea level | Rises above sea level |
| Visibility | Not visible from the surface | Visible above water |
| Formation | Submerged volcano | Volcano that breaks the surface |
Think of it this way: A seamount is like a "hidden" volcano under the water, while a volcanic island is a "visible" volcano that has "popped out" of the water.
