Scientists have detected a surge in seismic activity beneath the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Oregon, indicating that Axial Seamount, a massive underwater volcano, is preparing to erupt before the end of 2025. Unlike dramatic land-based eruptions, this event will be a slow and steady release of lava, reshaping the ocean floor without posing a tsunami risk.
Axial Seamount is a shield volcano, characterized by a gradual eruption process that spreads lava across a wide area. As magma rises from deep within the Earth, it pushes against the seafloor, causing the volcano to swell until the crust cracks open and lava escapes. This process contributes to the slow expansion of the ocean floor as part of a larger geological cycle.
The current swelling is part of a tracked pattern by scientists, with past eruptions occurring in 1998, 2011, and 2015. Seismic data indicates that magma is moving and exerting pressure on the rock above, while multiple magma reservoirs connected to the volcano have been discovered. Researchers hope to improve prediction methods for more dangerous eruptions on land and gain insights into tectonic activity, deep-sea ecosystems, and Earth’s crust evolution through studying this underwater volcano.
Source: https://bgr.com/science/a-massive-underwater-volcano-300-miles-off-the-us-coast-is-getting-ready-to-erupt