Underwater Volcano Axial Seamount Set to Erupt: Scientists Warn of Imminent Activity

In a striking announcement on December 10, scientists have warned that the Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano located approximately 300 miles off the Oregon coast, is poised for an eruption in the near future, possibly as early as late 2024 or throughout 2025. The volcano, which rises over 3,000 feet from the ocean floor, is situated half a mile beneath the surface and is recognized as the most active underwater volcano in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. This prediction comes after researchers detected significant seafloor swelling around Axial, akin to levels observed just before its last eruption in 2015. The swelling, a compelling indicator of impending volcanic activity, suggests that magma is accumulating underground and building pressure. Geophysicist William Chadwick from Oregon State University, who has been closely monitoring the volcano since November, noted that the swelling has reached more than 95 percent of its pre-eruption threshold from nearly a decade ago. In addition to the physical changes in the volcano's structure, seismic activity in the area has also surged, with the volcano generating hundreds of earthquakes daily. Researchers reported more than 500 earthquake swarms each day, a sign of the geological turmoil brewing beneath the surface. The team believes that the current inflation trend at Axial aligns with previous patterns that preceded eruptions, leading them to conclude that an eruption could be imminent if the swelling and seismicity continue to escalate. Notably, the increased activity at Axial provides a unique opportunity for scientists to refine their predictive capabilities regarding volcanic eruptions. Since this volcano has a history of predictable eruptions, it has become a vital research site for understanding the signs that lead up to such events. The knowledge gained from Axial's activity may prove invaluable, especially as researchers develop new instruments and leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to analyze earthquake data. Fortunately for residents of the West Coast, the Axial Seamount eruptions are not expected to pose a significant threat to human life or infrastructure. Characterized as a shield volcano, Axial typically produces less explosive eruptions that do not generate tsunamis or major earthquakes. This contrasts sharply with the catastrophic eruption of the Hunga volcano in Tonga in January 2022, which unleashed a tsunami causing an estimated $90 billion in damages across several countries, including the United States. As scientists continue to monitor Axial's activity, they are not only preparing for a potential eruption but also enhancing their understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive volcanic behavior. The ongoing research surrounding Axial will contribute valuable insights that may assist in forecasting eruptions of other, more dangerous underwater volcanoes in the future. With the prediction window now open, the world watches with bated breath as the scientists at the forefront of volcanic research prepare for what could be another significant chapter in the study of underwater geological phenomena. While the immediate threat remains low, the upcoming eruption of Axial Seamount promises to be an informative event for researchers eager to unlock the secrets of volcanic eruptions.