One of the world’s most active volcanoes is about to erupt.…

One of the world’s most active volcanoes is about to erupt.

Axial Seamount: A Volcano in imminent eruption

Axial Seamount, located 300 miles off the coast of Oregon and 1 mile underwater, is showing ominous signs of an imminent eruption. Although lesser-known than other volcanic giants in the Cascades, such as Mount St. Helens, this underwater volcano is actually the most active in the Pacific Northwest. After eruptions in 1998, 2011, and 2015, experts predict that Axial Seamount will erupt again by the end of 2025.

Part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”

Axial Seamount is part of the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” an extremely active volcanic area that spans the Pacific Northwest.
This area is famous for its high seismic and volcanic activity, particularly in the Cascade Range. Among the most active volcanoes on the planet, the Axial Seamount stands out for its relatively close eruptions, a characteristic that makes it an ideal laboratory for the study of submarine volcanoes.

A volcano under constant surveillance

Since 1997, the Axial Seamount has been meticulously monitored using advanced technology. In 2011, an underwater volcanic observatory, the New Millennium Observatory (NEMO), was installed to monitor changes in the volcano’s caldera. This constant monitoring allows scientists to detect warning signs of an eruption, such as an increase in the volcano’s inflation rate, which indicates that magma is moving beneath the surface.

A low-severity eruption, but not without risks
Fortunately, the Axial Seamount does not present the same risks as other volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest. Its shield structure, formed from fluid lava, means that the eruption releases magma that quickly solidifies, forming a new seafloor. This type of eruption significantly reduces the risk of a tsunami, unlike other, more explosive volcanoes.
Additionally, unlike volcanoes in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where major earthquakes are expected, Axial Seamount sits on the Juan de Fuca Ridge further west. So while its imminent eruption is being closely monitored, it is unlikely to have any impact on seismic activity in the Oregon Subduction Zone.

Active monitoring to better understand volcanoes
Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington are conducting extensive studies to understand how magma moves through the Axial system. By installing deep-sea pressure recorders every two years, scientists are collecting crucial data on volcanic activity in the region. These records help predict when an eruption is coming.
Eruption imminent, but not yet certain
In the summer of 2024, OSU’s Bill Chadwick observed a steady increase in the rate of inflation of the Axial Seamount. However, in October 2024, he reported that although seismicity and inflation had stabilized, an eruption still appeared likely by the end of 2025. Although an eruption did not appear imminent, Chadwick concluded that the 2025 eruption was still inevitable.

Hope for learning from submarine volcanoes
Scientists hope that their continued monitoring of the Axial Seamount will help them better understand the mechanics of submarine volcanism. This monitoring should provide valuable lessons not only for Axial Volcano, but also for other active volcanoes worldwide, contributing to better management of volcanic and seismic risks.
In summary, Axial Seamount represents a natural laboratory for scientists, and although its eruption is expected with relative certainty, direct hazards are limited due to the specific nature of this volcano.
https://www.opb.org/article/2025/01/06/axial-seamount-volcano-underwater-evergreen/