Volcanic eruptions have shaped Earth’s landscapes for millions of years, creating new landmasses and altering oceanic ecosystems. While many eruptions occur on land, some take place deep beneath the sea, hidden from view yet no less significant. One such event is now on the horizon.
As reported by WP Tech, scientists warn that the underwater volcano Axial Seamount, located 480 kilometers off the coast of Oregon, is nearing eruption. The volcano's surface has been rising due to increasing magma pressure, and experts predict an eruption before the end of 2025.
Signs of an Imminent Eruption
Axial Seamount is considered the most active volcano in the northeastern Pacific.
According to volcanologist Bill Chadwick, its remote location beneath the ocean often leads to its activity being overlooked. However, recent seismic data confirms that the volcano has reached the same critical state as before its last three eruptions in 1998, 2011, and 2015.
Unlike explosive eruptions on land, Axial Seamount’s activity is expected to be relatively mild. The lava will likely flow along the ocean floor, creating new seabed formations rather than triggering destructive tsunamis. This gradual process helps reshape the seafloor without posing immediate threats to coastal populations.
A Rare Scientific Opportunity
Seismic studies have revealed multiple magma reservoirs beneath the volcano, with direct connections to eruption fissures on the ocean floor. Axial Seamount sits at the boundary of the Juan de Fuca and Pacific tectonic plates, an area known for continuous seafloor formation due to plate movement.
Scientists see this eruption as a valuable research opportunity. By studying Axial Seamount, they hope to gain insights that could apply to volcanoes around the world, improving our understanding of how magma moves and eruptions unfold.
With activity reaching a critical point, researchers are closely monitoring the volcano, anticipating an eruption that could reshape the deep-sea landscape in the months ahead.
