A massive underwater volcano located just 300 miles off the Oregon coast is showing signs of an imminent eruption, scientists have warned.
The Axial Seamount, which spans 1.25 miles across and towers 3,600 feet tall, sits 4,626 feet beneath the Pacific Ocean’s surface.
Volcanologists are predicting the submarine volcano will erupt before the end of 2025, following observations of significant swelling and increased seismic activity.
The volcano, situated along the Juan de Fuca Ridge between Oregon and Alaska, has been identified as one of the most active in the Pacific Northwest.
The undersea volcano range of Axial Seamount
NOAA
Oregon State University Research Associate Bill Chadwick reports the seafloor has begun re-inflating at an accelerated pace, reaching about 25 centimetres per year in 2024.
“Axial’s summit inflates like a balloon as magma is supplied from below and stored in the reservoir beneath the volcano summit,” Chadwick told OregonLive. The volcano experienced 9,000 earthquakes on the day of its last eruption in 2015.
“The number of earthquakes has really increased,” Chadwick said. “All these signs are pointing toward the final stages of the buildup to the next eruption.”
Despite the dramatic signs of an impending eruption, scientists remain unconcerned about potential hazards.
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Mike Poland, a scientist at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, expressed excitement rather than worry about the event.
“This particular volcano is probably the best-monitored submarine volcano in the world,” he told Cowboy State Daily. “It’s fascinating and doesn’t really pose a hazard.”
Poland explained the eruption would resemble a Hawaiian lava flow. “It’s not an explosive eruption, but calm effusions of lava flowing out of the caldera and across the seafloor,” he said.
The immense water pressure of the ocean significantly reduces any potential risks from the eruption.
“Deep submarine eruptions are inhibited by the tremendous water pressure of the ocean,” Poland explained. “Even explosive eruptions struggle against the ocean.”
When magma from the volcano meets the frigid ocean water, it rapidly cools and forms a protective crust. Scientists emphasise there is no threat to the public, with Chadwick noting that even ships directly above would be unaware of any activity.
“You would never know anything was happening unless you dangled a hydrophone into the water,” he told KOIN 6 News.
The Axial Seamount has become an invaluable resource for volcanic research, with three decades of continuous monitoring. Scientists use cutting-edge tools, including a remotely operated vehicle named Jason and real-time data transmission through fiber-optic cables.
The research could have far-reaching implications. “If you can develop a model for how this works at Axial, it gives us a starting point that we can apply elsewhere,” Poland said.