Scientists Warn That A Submarine Volcano Off Oregon Could Erupt This Year

An underwater volcano in the northeast Pacific may erupt in 2025, according to scientists tracking its activity. The Axial Seamount, located about 300 miles off Oregon’s coast, has exhibited patterns that indicate an eruption is likely in the near future.

The Axial Seamount is considered one of the most active submarine volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest. It has erupted multiple times over the last three decades, with documented events in 1998, 2011, and 2015. Researchers studying the volcano say it follows a regular cycle of magma buildup and eruption, and current measurements suggest the next event is approaching.

William Chadwick, a research associate at Oregon State University, pointed out that the volcano’s activity has been consistent over the years. “It seems to have this pretty repeatable pattern from one eruption to the next,” he said. Monitoring systems, including seafloor sensors and seismic instruments, provide continuous data on the volcano’s activity, allowing researchers to detect early warning signs of an eruption.

Although the expected eruption is significant, experts say it poses no danger to people. The volcano lies nearly a mile below the ocean surface, meaning any lava flows or seismic activity would not create disruptions above water. “When Axial Seamount erupts, it’ll look a lot like a Hawaiian lava flow eruption,” said Mike Poland of the Yellowstone Volcano  Observatory.

Axial Seamount is a shield volcano, meaning its eruptions are characterized by steady lava flow rather than violent explosions. Scientists are using the site as a testing ground to refine eruption prediction models, hoping to improve forecasting for more dangerous volcanoes in the future.

A research team deployed remotely operated vehicles to the site in June 2024 to gather additional data. The ongoing study aims to enhance scientists’ ability to anticipate volcanic activity, providing insights that could improve early warnings for eruptions worldwide.