A recent surge of 2,000 earthquakes has sparked concerns about a potential underwater volcanic eruption at Axial Seamount, located just under 300 miles from the Oregon coast. However, experts stress that the impact on human life is unlikely unless the volcano becomes unstable.
The massive volcano has already erupted several times, including in 2015, 2011, and 1998. When an underwater volcano erupts, lava flows onto the seafloor, forming pillow lavas and sheet flows. This can also lead to the release of hot, mineral-rich water from hydrothermal vents, potentially harming marine life.
A significant risk associated with underwater volcanic eruptions is the possibility of sea floor collapse. In previous eruptions, the caldera has dropped by 2-3 meters. However, a catastrophic flank collapse, which could displace large amounts of water and trigger a tsunami, remains unlikely unless Axial becomes unstable.
Scientists closely monitor Axial for signs of instability, but so far, there is no indication that it poses an immediate threat to human life. The likelihood of an eruption this year appears high, given the volcano’s recent behavior.
Source: https://www.ladbible.com/news/science/axial-seamount-volcano-erupt-seafloor-collapse-449232-20250819