SEATTLE — An underwater volcano off the Pacific Northwest coast is exhibiting signs that it may be preparing for an eruption, a phenomenon scientists are closely monitoring as the volcano has been dormant for several years.
Researchers at the University of Washington’s Cabled Array, one of the globe’s premier ocean observatories, have recorded notable seismic activity around Axial Seamount. Located approximately 300 miles offshore and nearly 4,900 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, the volcano has shown potential indicators of an impending eruption, including an uptick in seismic tremors and noticeable inflation attributed to rising magma.
Debbie Kelley, a professor of oceanography at the University of Washington, has spent years studying Axial Seamount and expresses excitement about the insights these volcanic cycles provide. “Each time we observe this underwater volcano, we’re uncovering new information about its behavior and processes,” Kelley said.
Despite the heightened activity, Kelley reassured those on land that there is little cause for alarm. “People often ask if they should be concerned about an eruption, and the answer is no,” she explained. The characteristics of underwater volcanoes generally mitigate the potential risks associated with eruptions on land, such as tsunamis or significant earthquakes.
“The water above acts as a barrier, dampening the eruptions,” Kelley noted, adding that underwater volcanoes typically lack the same gas compositions and explosive potential as their land-based counterparts. Historical context can help elucidate this difference; Kelley recalled the last major eruption in Washington in 1980 at Mount St. Helens, an event that left a lasting impression on the region.
Axial Seamount has a history of eruptions, having erupted in 1998, 2011, and 2015. While researchers cannot pinpoint the exact timing of its next eruption, Kelley emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring. “We will certainly keep everyone updated,” she assured.
Observations from the Cabled Array are critical. They enable scientists to explore and document activity in a way that few ever have the chance to witness. Kelley highlighted the excitement and rarity of such underwater phenomena, stating, “It’s a unique opportunity to observe events that most people will never see in their lifetime.”
As the research team continues its observations, they remain vigilant about the transformative potential of this underwater volcano, contributing valuable knowledge to the scientific community and the public alike.