Oregon Coast Volcano on Brink of Eruption

A potentially explosive underwater volcano 300 miles off the Oregon coast is displaying warning signs of an imminent eruption. Axial Seamount, located on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, has been quiet since 2015 but is now showing increased activity.

Researchers from the University of Washington believe an eruption could happen “any day” due to the buildup of magma beneath the surface and a recent increase in earthquakes. The volcano’s inflation rate has reached levels similar to those before previous eruptions, making it a potentially exciting development for scientists studying volcanic activity.

However, residents of the Pacific Northwest should not worry about an eruption triggering a major earthquake or tsunami. Axial Seamount is too deep and far from shore for such effects to be felt. Despite this, there are still many unanswered questions about volcanic eruptions at mid-ocean spreading centers.

The volcano’s unique habitat supports a variety of marine life, including microbes and animals that rely on the hydrothermal vents as an “underwater hot spring.” These creatures use dissolved gases from the volcano as energy instead of sunlight.

Source: https://mynorthwest.com/pacific-northwest-weather/uw-volcano-oregon/4082354