This kind of finding usually reflects normal episodic variation, like the so-called slowing of the AMOC. they wax and wane like most other natural occurrences. Give it another thirty years and they will be fretting about the Pacific current slowing down.
‘Mind boggling’ array of 19,000 undersea volcanoes discovered with high-resolution radar satellites
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By Jennifer Nalewicki published April 27, 2023
Scientists used high-resolution radar satellites and discovered a ‘mind boggling’ 19,000 volcanoes.
Basically the earth’s a self correcting system... so you’re right it’s likely a “normal episodic variation” - ebb and flow so to speak.