A massive underwater volcano located 300 miles off the coast of Oregon is nearing eruption, with scientists monitoring its activity closely. The Juan de Fuca Ridge, where the volcano sits, is a geologically active region. Data shows that its magma chamber is inflating rapidly, similar to a balloon filling before bursting.
The last eruption in 2015 was dramatic, triggering over 8,000 earthquakes and releasing hundreds of feet of lava. New instruments installed since then have allowed scientists to observe the volcano’s activity more closely. Geophysist William Chadwick notes that Axial Seamount is now “at or almost at” the inflation threshold observed prior to the 2015 eruption.
A live camera feed has been installed near the summit, providing daily livestreams of the volcano’s behavior. The video focuses on a hydrothermal structure known as “Mushroom,” surrounded by bacterial mats and tube worms. Chadwick describes Axial Seamount’s behavior as similar to volcanoes in Hawaii, with magma building up pressure between eruptions.
Recent weeks have seen an increase in seismic activity, suggesting that magma is pressing upward with increasing intensity. The frequency of underwater earthquakes is expected to surge to 10,000 within 24 hours once the eruption begins. If it happens, the eruption will release over a billion cubic feet of lava, weighing millions of tons.
Scientists emphasize that there is no threat to coastal communities due to its location far offshore and deep beneath the ocean. However, this event offers a unique opportunity for scientists to study a submarine eruption in near-real time. Axial Seamount is regarded by researchers as “the best-monitored submarine volcano in the world,” providing valuable insights into underwater eruptions.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/06/underwater-volcano-millions-tons-lava