Newport, Oregon — Scientists are closely watching Axial Seamount, the most active underwater volcano in the Pacific Northwest, which could erupt imminently. Located about 300 miles off the Oregon coast and submerged more than 4,900 feet beneath the Pacific Ocean, Axial Seamount has shown signs of increased volcanic activity, raising concerns among researchers.
The volcano last erupted in 2015, an event that resulted in significant geological changes, including roughly 8,000 earthquakes and massive lava flows that altered the ocean floor. Current observations indicate that the seafloor around Axial Seamount is swelling, a phenomenon linked to the buildup of magma below the ocean’s surface. This inflation has reached the same levels recorded prior to the 2015 eruption, prompting questions about the volcano’s next move.
William Wilcock, a marine geophysicist at the University of Washington, noted that researchers have theorized a correlation between seafloor inflation and eruption timelines. “If the theory holds true, then an eruption could occur at any moment,” he stated.
While the rising activity of Axial Seamount has stirred excitement within the scientific community, experts assure that the eruption will not pose any threats to human populations. The volcano’s depth and distance from land mean that any resulting eruptions are unlikely to be felt or seen by coastal residents. Mike Poland, a scientist with the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, emphasized the volcano’s unique status as one of the world’s best-monitored underwater geological features. “It’s fascinating, and it doesn’t pose any hazard to human life,” he said.
Axial Seamount sits on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, a series of undersea volcanoes stretching between Oregon and Alaska. As a young shield volcano, its eruptions typically resemble those of Hawaiian volcanoes, characterized by gentle lava flows rather than explosive activity. Poland explained that, “When Axial erupts, it resembles a calm effusion of lava cascading out of the caldera and spreading over the seabed.”
Repeated eruptions from Axial Seamount have occurred in 1998, 2011, and 2015, with the volcano clearly demonstrating a consistent volcanic pattern. Based on recent measurements taken by researchers, including William Chadwick of Oregon State University, the seismic activity surrounding Axial has intensified, with hundreds of small earthquakes reported daily.
As scientists monitor the volcano’s behavior, they have detected a rise in earthquake swarms, which can signal that magma is moving closer to the surface. “The initial onset of an eruption will be marked by a surge in seismic activity,” Wilcock explained. This response lasts roughly an hour before magma breaks through the ocean floor.
The scientific community anticipates that when Axial Seamount finally does erupt, it will provide an invaluable opportunity for real-time research. The University of Washington’s expansive underwater observatory will play a critical role, equipped with a network of sensors designed to capture data throughout the event.
The monitoring of Axial Seamount not only facilitates research on undersea volcanic activity but also enhances understanding of more hazardous volcanic systems globally. For instance, recent eruptions, such as the powerful event from the Hunga volcano in Tonga in early 2022, highlight the potential risks associated with underwater volcanic activity. This eruption triggered a tsunami causing extensive damage across the Pacific.
While Axial Seamount may not threaten coastal communities, its imminent eruption is expected to yield crucial insights into volcanic dynamics. As scientists prepare to document this geological phenomenon, the data collected will likely contribute to broader knowledge about volcanic systems and their potential impacts on human safety.