Janice R. Andrews
Oregon’s Submerged Volcano Signals Impending Activity
The Axial Seamount, one of the most active underwater volcanoes, is showing indications of an imminent eruption. Situated 300 miles off Oregon’s coast and submerged a mile beneath the Pacific Ocean, this geological giant is expected to erupt before the close of 2025, according to ongoing scientific observations.
A Pattern of Frequent Eruptions
Unlike other Cascade volcanoes that remain dormant for centuries, Axial Seamount erupts roughly every ten years. Recorded eruptions in 1998, 2011, and 2015 solidify its status as one of the most consistently active volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest. Due to its predictability, it has become a crucial research site for geologists.
Since 1997, scientists have closely monitored the volcano through the New Millennium Observatory (NEMO), the world’s first underwater volcanic research station. Their data indicates that magma buildup beneath Axial Seamount has been increasing, strongly suggesting an eruption within the next year.
Why This Eruption Is Different
Axial Seamount differs from typical explosive volcanoes as it is a shield volcano, meaning its eruptions consist of thin lava flows rather than violent explosions. This characteristic reduces the potential for catastrophic tsunamis. Instead of an explosive outburst, lava will gradually emerge onto the seafloor, reshaping the underwater terrain.
Another distinguishing factor is its location. While some may worry that volcanic activity near the Pacific Northwest could trigger The Big One—a major earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone—scientists confirm that Axial Seamount is separate from this seismic hotspot. Positioned on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, it exists within an independent tectonic system, meaning its eruption is unlikely to influence seismic activity on land.
Forecasting the 2025 Eruption
Researchers from Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington are actively tracking magma movement within Axial Seamount. Using bottom pressure recorders, they measure the volcano’s inflation—an indication that magma is rising.
In mid-2024, geologist Bill Chadwick from OSU noted that inflation levels had been steadily increasing. By October 2024, however, both inflation and seismic activity had stabilized. “An eruption is not imminent, but this state cannot persist indefinitely,” Chadwick remarked. Based on past trends, experts predict that Axial Seamount will erupt by late 2025.
A Key Scientific Opportunity
Axial Seamount’s predictability and accessibility make it an ideal study site for scientists researching volcanic activity. Observing its eruption in real-time may provide valuable insights into magma movement and the mechanics of underwater eruptions. This information could help improve the understanding of volcanic systems worldwide.
Though an underwater volcanic eruption may sound concerning, experts assure that Axial Seamount’s activity poses no direct danger to coastal communities. Instead, it offers a unique scientific opportunity to study one of Earth’s most geologically active regions.
With 2025 fast approaching, researchers remain vigilant, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this undersea volcano’s history.
