A submarine volcano off the coast of Oregon is expected to erupt for the first time in 11 years, generating activity for marine life in the area. Axial Seamount, located about a mile below the ocean’s surface, has erupted three times in the last 30 years. The volcano’s remote location means it’s unlikely to impact humans, but its impending eruption could stir up a hotspot for deep-sea animals.
The magma flow beneath the volcano creates pressure that heats sea water to over 700°F, producing hydrothermal vents that spew black smoke. These vents support a unique ecosystem of microorganisms and animals that rely on chemical energy. While the eruption will likely trigger small earthquakes, they are not strong enough to cause major destruction.
Researchers using the Ocean Observatories Initiative, which includes pressure sensors and other equipment, are monitoring the volcano’s activity to forecast its eruption. The initiative has made Axial Seamount a key location for testing long-term volcano eruption forecasting techniques. As scientists work to improve their forecasts, they can make false alarms without affecting people or the economy.
The volcano’s eruptions follow a pattern of inflation and deflation, with magma accumulation leading to seafloor expansion. After an eruption, the seafloor falls, and the process repeats. While this pattern is not as predictable as it once was, researchers are using it to make forecasts that can be made months or years in advance.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/15/nx-s1-5398591/underwater-volcano-eruption-oregon