Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) have reported that an underwater volcano located off the Pacific Northwest coast is showing clear signs of potential eruption.
The volcano, known as the Axial Seamount, sits about 300 miles off Oregon’s coast and lies nearly 4,900 feet below the ocean surface.
Unusual Seismic Activity Raises Concerns
Scientists revealed that the volcano has been displaying unusual patterns, suggesting that an eruption could be approaching. In June, more than 2,000 earthquakes were recorded near the Axial Seamount in a single day, according to ABC News.
Although the activity slowed to about 100 quakes per day in the days that followed, researchers still consider it significant.
“Inflating Like a Balloon,” Says Expert
William Chadwick, a research associate at OSU, explained that the seamount has been “inflating like a balloon” as molten rock accumulates inside.
This inflation, combined with the recent earthquake swarms, indicates that the volcano could erupt before the end of 2025.
No Major Risk to Humans or Tsunami Threat
Experts emphasize that the potential eruption poses no danger to humans, property, or coastal areas.
“For the size of eruptions we’ve seen in the last 20 years … if you were on top of it on a boat, you would never know it,” Chadwick said.
The eruptions are typically small and occur deep underwater, making them barely noticeable at the ocean surface.
Why Scientists Are Closely Watching Axial Seamount
The Axial Seamount is the most active submarine volcano in the region. It last erupted in 2015, with previous eruptions in 2011 and 1998.
Because of its frequent activity, scientists use it as a natural laboratory to study volcanic behavior and improve predictions for land-based eruptions.
