Recent geophysical research programs survey the Tamu Massif within the Shatsky Rise oceanic plateau in the northwest Pacific Ocean to understand the formation of this immense volcano and to test the formation hypotheses of large igneous province volcanism. Massive sheet basalt flows are cored from the Tamu Massif, implying voluminous eruptions with high effusion rates. Seismic reflection data show that the Tamu Massif is the largest single volcano on Earth, characterized by a central volcanic shield with lowgradient flank slopes, implying lava flows emanating from its center and spreading massive area on the seafloor. Velocity model calculated from seismic refraction data shows that crustal thickness has a negative correlation with average velocity, implying a chemically anomalous origin of the Tamu Massif. Seismic refraction and reflection data reveal a complete crustal structure across the entire volcano, featured by a deep crust root with a maximum thickness of $30 km, and Moho geometry is consistent with the Airy Isostasy. These recent findings provide evidence for the two end-member formation models: the mantle plume and the plate boundary. Both are supported by some results, but both are not fit with some either. Consequently, plume–ridge interaction could be a resolution that awaits future investigations. Recent geophysical research programs survey the Tamu Massif within the Shatsky Rise oceanic plateau in the northwest Pacific Ocean to understand the formation of this immense volcano and to test the formation hypotheses of large igneous province volcanism. Massive sheet basalt flows are cored from the Tamu Massif, implicit voluminous eruptions with high effusion rates. Seismic reflection data show that the Tamu Massif is the largest single volcano on Earth, characterized by a central volcanic shield with lowgradient flank slopes, implying lava flows emanating from its center and spreading massive area on the seafloor. Velocity model calculated from seismic refraction data shows that crustal thickness has a negative correlation with average velocity, implying a chemically anomalous origin of the Tamu Massif. Seismic refraction and reflection data reveal a complete crustal structure across the entire volcano, featured by a deep crust root with a maximum thickness of $ 30 km, and Moho geom etry is consistent with the Airy Isostasy These recent findings provide evidence for the two end-member formation models:.. the mantle plume and the plate boundary Both are supported by some results, but both are not fit with some either Consequently, plume-. ridge interaction could be a resolution that awaits future investigations.