A well-monitored underwater volcano off the West Coast is showing signs of activity that suggest an eruption may occur in 2025, scientists say. The Axial Seamount, located about 300 miles from Oregon’s shoreline, is the most active submarine volcano in the northeast Pacific and has a history of eruptions at regular intervals.
Over the past three decades, researchers have tracked the volcano’s activity, recording eruptions in 1998, 2011, and 2015. Recent observations indicate that the seamount has been inflating, a process caused by the accumulation of molten rock beneath the surface. Scientists note that this same pattern preceded previous eruptions, making it likely that the next one is approaching.
🚨🇺🇸 SLEEPING GIANT STIRS: MASSIVE UNDERSEA VOLCANO SET TO BLOW OFF U.S. WEST COAST
Scientists warn Oregon's 3,600-foot underwater volcano Axial Seamount is inflating like a balloon, triggering 500+ earthquakes daily as it preps for its next performance.
The good news?
This… pic.twitter.com/ziTNn13kIL
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 31, 2024
“The volcano is reaching the same inflation levels we saw before the last eruption,” said William Chadwick, a research associate at Oregon State University. Chadwick and his team rely on advanced monitoring equipment, including seismometers and deep-sea sensors, to collect data on the volcano’s behavior. Unlike many land-based volcanoes, Axial Seamount is equipped with an extensive underwater network that provides continuous, real-time updates.
My favorite volcano Axial Seamount is ready to erupt again! Updated forecast blog from Bill Chadwick et al. Looking forward to seeing some fresh lava flows very soon… video from last years expedition w/ @whoi @TAMU #nsffunded #deepsea #volcano #erupt https://t.co/V4oyL4WLnf pic.twitter.com/i2MKoJJB49
— Julie Huber, PhD (@JulesDeep) July 23, 2024
Although the eruption is expected to be significant, scientists say it poses no danger to people. The volcano is located nearly a mile beneath the ocean surface, and its eruptions typically result in slow lava flows rather than explosive blasts. “When Axial Seamount erupts, it’ll look a lot like a Hawaiian lava flow eruption,” said Mike Poland of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
The volcano’s frequent activity makes it a valuable site for research. Scientists are using the opportunity to refine forecasting models that could eventually improve eruption predictions for more dangerous volcanoes. By studying Axial Seamount, researchers can experiment with issuing eruption forecasts without the risk of false alarms that might cause unnecessary panic.
"If you were on a boat above the volcano, you wouldn't know at all that it had erupted."
Scientists are predicting that a mile-deep volcano off the west coast of the U.S. will erupt some time this year — deep enough and far enough away from the coast that it won't threaten human… pic.twitter.com/zY99wTlS1r
— Lt.Annette Nicholson (@Annette65740700) February 2, 2025
Another expedition to the site took place in June 2024, deploying remotely operated vehicles to gather additional data. Scientists hope the findings will contribute to a better understanding of how underwater volcanoes behave and how their activity can be predicted with greater accuracy.
