
Researchers observing an active underwater volcano off the coast of Oregon say an eruption is likely in 2025. Axial Seamount, located approximately 300 miles from land, has shown geological patterns similar to those seen before previous eruptions, leading scientists to expect another event soon.
This submarine volcano is considered the most active in the northeast Pacific and has erupted three times over the last three decades, in 1998, 2011, and 2015. Scientists studying its activity have recorded a gradual buildup of molten rock beneath the surface, a process that has historically preceded its eruptions.
🚨🇺🇸 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
William Chadwick, a research associate at Oregon State University, noted that Axial Seamount’s activity follows a consistent pattern. “It seems to have this pretty repeatable pattern from one eruption to the next,” he said. Instruments installed on the ocean floor provide continuous monitoring of seismic movements and pressure changes, allowing researchers to track its status in real time.
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
Despite the likelihood of an eruption, experts emphasize there is no threat to people or coastal areas. The volcano sits nearly a mile underwater, and any eruption would not generate surface-level disturbances. “If you were on a boat above the volcano, you wouldn’t know at all that it had erupted,” said Scott Nooner, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Axial Seamount is a shield volcano, meaning its eruptions produce flowing lava rather than explosive blasts. Scientists use it as a case study for improving volcanic prediction techniques, as monitoring an underwater eruption allows researchers to test forecasting models without causing public alarm.
"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
A team of scientists deployed remotely operated vehicles to the site in June 2024 to gather additional data. The findings will contribute to a long-term effort to enhance eruption predictions, with hopes that these methods can eventually be applied to land-based volcanoes that pose greater risks.