Chapter 1: The Unseen Giant

Many assume the Andes in South America hold the title for the longest mountain range on our planet. While this is correct in terms of continental ranges, it overlooks a much grander competitor that remains largely unnoticed.

Unlike well-known ranges such as the Himalayas or Rockies, this underwater giant lacks a catchy name. The longest mountain range on Earth is actually the mid-ocean ridge system (MORS), an expansive subaquatic chain that encircles the globe.

To visualize this, you can refer to the image below, which illustrates the relief of Earth's ocean floors. Here, the extensive mountain range becomes clearly visible, showcasing peaks that traverse the entire planet. This hidden range features towering summits, active volcanoes, deep trenches, and diverse topography. The majority of it lies below the ocean's surface, with less than 10% peeking above water, primarily in the Middle East.

For a considerable time, geographers and geologists were unaware that these underwater mountains formed a continuous chain. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a significant feature that splits the Atlantic Ocean, was discovered long before the entire MORS was recognized. However, advancements in technology and research revealed that the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is merely a section of a much larger system.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the mid-ocean ridge system "criss-crosses the globe, resembling the stitches in a baseball." The image above illustrates this point well, as the mountain range’s location appears to stitch together the oceans.

How extensive is this underwater range? NOAA estimates that the MORS spans an impressive 40,389 miles. In comparison, the Andes Mountains, recognized as the longest continental range, stretch for only 5,500 miles. This makes the mid-ocean ridge system more than seven times longer than the Andes, which is astonishing.

The formation of this mountain system results from the continuous movement of Earth's tectonic plates. The ocean floor is constantly changing, with mountains rising as seafloor material is subducted along major fault lines. This ongoing movement and the replenishment of the ocean floors through subduction contribute to the creation and maintenance of this colossal mountain system, which roughly follows the tectonic plate boundaries in the oceans.

The mid-ocean ridge system is both ordinary and extraordinary. It is considered mundane because it remains unseen by most, only accessible through deep-sea research. Yet, it is also remarkable to conceive of a continuous line of mountains and volcanoes encircling the planet, starting in the North Atlantic and winding down to the South Pacific. If Earth were devoid of water, this would stand out as the most significant geological feature, akin to Olympus Mons on Mars.

While many assert that the Andes are the longest mountain range, it is crucial to acknowledge the submerged majesty of the mid-ocean ridge system. With nearly 41,000 miles of length, this underwater geological marvel is truly unparalleled.

Chapter 2: Exploring the Depths

The first video titled "Hidden Under the Sea: the Earth's Greatest Mountain Range" explores the mid-ocean ridge system, highlighting its significance and features.

The second video "FACT: Longest Mountain range you didn't see" provides insights into the unseen aspects of the mid-ocean ridge and its geological impact.