Benham Rise

ContentsHistoryGeological FeaturesPotentialsExplorations

Overview

Benham Rise is an undersea region

east of Luzon, with many potential

resources.

OverviewApproved by United Nations Convention

on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as part of

the Philippines in 2012

HistoryNamed after Admiral Andrew Ellicot Kennedy Benham by American surveyors who were the probable discoverers of the geological feature. 

HistoryPart of the culture of Catanduanes people

Today, large percentage of fish caught by Catandunganon comes from Benham Rise.

Philippine claim Claim launched in April 8, 2009 as

part of petition expanding the archipelago's baselines and exclusive economic zone along with other claims

Republic Act No. 9522 (Archipelagic Baselines Law) – claim basis

Extension of the Philippines’ continental shelf

United Nations DecisionClaim under UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

April 2012 – approvedLocated within the 350 nautical mile constraint

~250 km / 135 nautical miles

A massive formation of basalt, a common volcanic rock

East of Luzon13 million hectaresShallowest point – Benham Bank, 35-50

meters underwaterFound in Central Basin FaultSeismically active and extinct volcanic

ridge

Geological Features

Geological Features250 km in diameter 5 km. below sea levelResist the subducting force of the Philippine Sea Plate under the Philippine Mobile Belt (Displace it from North to West)

Geological FeaturesOriginated from at least five sequences of propagating rifts

Features may have been the cause of collision between Benham Rise and East Luzon

ManganeseNatural gasOilSolid methaneMarine resources (specifically tuna,

galunggong, lapu-lapu, isdang bato and corals)

Source: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

Potentials

ExplorationOnly one exploration has been

conducted so far (by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources)

May 6 – May 16, 2014 - 28 researchers

Headed by Hildie Nacorda and Cesar Villanoy

Dived only the shallowest part (50 meters)Photo credit: Gil Jacinto /

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