Underwater Volcano Axial Seamount Shows Signs of Impending Eruption by 2025

Scientists are sounding the alarm about the potential eruption of an underwater volcano named Axial Seamount, located about 300 miles off the coast of Oregon. Recent observations have indicated significant geological activity that suggests the volcano is primed to erupt sometime between now and the end of 2025. On December 10, researchers reported a noticeable swelling of the seafloor surrounding Axial Seamount, echoing patterns seen just before its last eruption in 2015. This swelling, coupled with a dramatic increase in seismic activity—hundreds of small earthquakes recorded daily—has led experts to believe that magma is accumulating beneath the surface, putting pressure on the volcanic structure. William Chadwick, a geophysicist from Oregon State University, highlighted that the swelling of the volcano's surface has reached over 95 percent of its last pre-eruption height. This development is significant, as surface inflation is a strong indicator of impending eruptions in shield volcanoes like Axial. Although these types of volcanoes tend to produce less explosive eruptions, the researchers are monitoring the situation closely, noting that the rate of inflation has accelerated since late 2023, now at an estimated increase of roughly 10 inches per year. The volcano's location on the Juan de Fuca ridge makes it the most active underwater volcano in the northeast Pacific. Scientists have taken advantage of this activity to refine their eruption forecasting techniques, allowing them to predict eruptions with remarkable accuracy. The technology and methodologies developed through this ongoing research not only enhance understanding of Axial but could also have implications for predicting eruptions from more hazardous volcanoes. While Axial's eruptions pose minimal threat to coastal residents due to their non-explosive nature, they provide valuable data for researchers. The recent seismic swarms, which have exceeded 500 events per day, represent a shift in the behavior of the volcano, leading scientists to speculate about potential changes in magma supply that could influence the timing of an eruption. In the broader context of volcanic eruptions, the lessons learned from Axial Seamount may be critical. The catastrophic eruption of the Hunga volcano in January 2022 serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by underwater volcanic activity. That event caused extensive damage and triggered tsunamis that affected multiple countries, underscoring the importance of monitoring and forecasting geological hazards. As the scientific community continues to gather and analyze data from Axial Seamount, the findings could ultimately contribute to improved safety measures and preparedness for volcanic activity both near and far from the West Coast. The upcoming months and years will be pivotal in understanding the behavior of this underwater giant and enhancing the ability to predict eruptions, potentially saving lives and minimizing damage in the future.