A submarine volcano off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, Axial Seamount, is expected to erupt by 2025. Located approximately 480 kilometers west of Cannon Beach, Oregon, it’s a prime spot for scientists to study the evolution of early life on Earth and the potential effects of deep-sea mining.
Axial Seamount lies at the edge of the Juan de Fuca plate, making it highly volatile due to its proximity to the Pacific Plate. The volcano has shown significant activity since 1998, with recent eruptions in 2011 and 2015. Scientists have been closely monitoring its condition through a network of sensors, cameras, and instruments.
Biologist Rika Anderson notes that this setup provides an ideal natural laboratory for studying how life evolves alongside its environment. Hydrothermal vents, which are found near Axial Seamount, are believed to be a likely origin site for the earliest steps in life on Earth. However, deep-sea mining threatens these ecosystems, and scientists are eager to study how microbial communities respond to major disruptions like eruptions.
The upcoming eruption will also provide valuable insights into how these communities recover from such events. Meanwhile, concerns arise about the potential impact of volcanic debris on scientific equipment and discoveries.
Anderson emphasizes that the future of this project remains uncertain due to recent financial cuts by the Trump Administration, which may compromise its continuation.
Source: https://www.iflscience.com/raising-excitement-and-worry-an-underwater-volcano-off-the-us-coast-is-set-to-erupt-in-2025-80430