Scientists are closely monitoring the Axial Seamount. Monitoring a large underwater volcanic eruption on Oregon coast, located about 300 miles from the coastline. The volcano presents clear signs of eruption, later this year or early 2026.
Things Happening Now
The volcano is deep under the water, about a mile below the ocean’s surface. Scientists have observed hundreds of small earthquakes daily as the volcano fills with hot, molten rock.
William Wilcock, a scientist studying volcanoes, said, “It is going to erupt sometime in 2025 or early 2026. He also added it could happen tomorrow, because it is completely unpredictable.”
Underwater Volcanic Eruption on Oregon Coast: How Would the Eruption Look?
Axial Seamount last erupted in 2015, and the things that happened then are –
- Thousands of tiny earthquakes took place in a single day
- For about a month, the hot lava was flowing over the ocean floor
- The lava spread almost 25 miles across the seafloor
People staying on the land would not feel or visualize anything when it happens. The ocean water above the volcano will hold all the activity.
Reason Behind Excitement Among Scientists
The researchers have set up special equipment to watch the eruption live when it happens. Something like this has never been performed before with an underwater volcano.
The area surrounding the volcano is home to unique deep-sea creatures that live close to the hot water vents. Although an eruption might temporarily disrupt their homes, researchers have found that these communities rebound quickly.
Debbie Kelley leads the research team and says, “Life thrives in these unwelcoming environments. It’s one of the biggest findings that we have made.”
Earlier, the discovery of a new ocean served as a compelling reminder that our planet nonetheless holds many secrets ready to be unveiled. Watching this volcano erupt is like seeing how Earth was constructed – one underwater eruption at a time.
