Recent increases in seismic activity have ignited concerns and predictions that a massive, mile-wide submarine volcano, known as the Axial Seamount, may erupt near the United States West Coast by the end of the year.
“The eruptions are pretty significant,” stated Bill Chadwick, a volcanologist from Oregon State University who dedicates his research to this extraordinary geological formation.
Nestled approximately 300 miles offshore from Oregon’s rugged coastline, the Axial Seamount stands as the most active volcano in the Northeast Pacific—though many may be unaware of its existence, as it remains concealed beneath the ocean’s depths.
This underwater titan has an impressive history, having erupted three times over the past thirty years, with notable explosions occurring in 1998, 2011, and 2015, as Chadwick detailed in a recent blog post.
In tandem with these eruptions, a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature has unveiled the presence of multiple magma pools lurking beneath the volcano, suggesting a brewing intensity that could lead to future explosive activity.
Occurring in 1998, 2011, and 2015, as Chadwick detailed in a recent blog post.
In tandem with these eruptions, a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature has unveiled the presence of multiple magma pools lurking beneath the volcano, suggesting a brewing intensity that could lead to future explosive activity.
Researchers have indicated that the underwater volcano has regained its pre-eruption size, observed in November 2024, following its eruption in 2015.
The geologist leading this significant study, William Chadwick from Oregon State University, has referred to this underwater formation as the “most active volcano” in the region.
“This designation stems from the fact that it has experienced three eruptions within the past 30 years, which distinguishes it from many terrestrial volcanoes that tend to have prolonged periods of dormancy,” he stated in an interview with CBS affiliate KOIN.
He further emphasized that Axial Volcano maintains a notably active magma supply.