Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano located off the coast of Oregon, is on the brink of eruption. Situated nearly a mile below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, this remarkable volcano is gearing up to unleash its power. Unlike traditional volcanoes, Axial Seamount emerges from an underwater geological hotspot where molten rock from Earth’s mantle rises to form a towering structure reaching almost 3,600 feet high.
What sets Axial apart is its unique position atop the Juan de Fuca Ridge, where the Pacific and Juan de Fuca tectonic plates slowly drift apart, generating immense pressure beneath the ocean floor. This continuous movement fuels frequent volcanic activity, making Axial one of the most closely studied underwater volcanic sites in the world.
Scientists from the University of Washington monitor Axial Seamount using a sophisticated network of underwater sensors known as the Regional Cabled Array. This system provides real-time data on seismic events, temperature fluctuations, and live video feeds from the volcano’s surface. The array covers the entire Juan de Fuca tectonic plate, extending from the Oregon coast to the 300-mile offshore summit of Axial Seamount.
Research by marine geophysicist William Wilcock reveals that Axial typically exhibits clear warning signs before an eruption. As magma rises, small earthquakes proliferate around the seamount. Presently, about 200 to 300 tremors occur daily, a lower count compared to the thousands anticipated before an eruption. Wilcock cautions that the situation could change suddenly, making the eruption’s timing unpredictable.
When Axial Seamount last erupted in April 2015, scientists closely monitored approximately 10,000 small earthquakes that preceded the event. The eruption lasted about a month, covering 25 miles of the ocean floor with lava. Each eruption reshapes the seafloor significantly, often resulting in the collapse of sections of the magma chamber and the formation of a caldera.
Despite the volcanic activity, Axial Seamount’s eruptions are considered mild compared to land-based volcanoes. Lava flows quietly from cracks in the seafloor, rapidly solidifying into new rock formations. These deep-water eruptions generate distinct sounds that are recorded by underwater microphones.
Amidst the chaos of Axial Seamount’s eruptions, life thrives in the deep-sea environment. The underwater hot springs, or hydrothermal vents, created by the volcano support some of the most diverse and vibrant ecosystems on Earth.
Beneath the ocean’s surface, there are vents that spew water heated by magma from below. These vents are home to a variety of creatures, from microbes to giant tubeworms and octopuses. Despite the harsh conditions, life thrives in these environments, with volcanoes serving as a major source of life in the oceans.
Although volcanic eruptions temporarily destroy the unique communities around these vents, life bounces back quickly, often becoming stronger and more diverse. Recent research near Costa Rica showed how ecosystems can recover rapidly after an eruption, with scientists witnessing an active event at deep-sea vents.
One interesting discovery at Axial Seamount is the connection between volcanic activity and celestial bodies. Eruptions at Axial have occurred between January and April, coinciding with Earth’s movement away from the sun. Marine geophysicists suggest that the moon’s gravitational effects on tides could be influencing volcanic activity by changing pressures on the seafloor.
Scientists are eager for Axial’s next eruption to test these theories and gain a better understanding of Earth’s geological processes. The upcoming eruption is set to be livestreamed worldwide, providing a unique opportunity to observe underwater volcanic activity in real-time.
The eruption at Axial Seamount offers valuable insights into deep-sea geology and biology, without posing any danger to coastal residents or marine animals. It presents a rare chance to witness the power of Earth shaping our planet beneath the Pacific’s depths in real-time.
