Chadwick, a research professor at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, has raised concerns about a potentially hazardous undersea volcano threatening the West Coast. The region is situated on a plate boundary where tectonic plates are separating, leading to occasional volcanic activity. However, the Axial volcano stands out due to its higher frequency of eruptions, attributed to its location over a hotspot similar to those found in Hawaii or Iceland. Unlike traditional cone-shaped volcanoes, Axial is a shield volcano characterized by a broad, shield-like structure. Recent eruptions in 1998, 2011, and 2015 have been observed, with lava spreading along rift zones for significant distances. Monitoring techniques, including measuring seafloor uplift and analyzing magma reservoirs, are employed to predict and study potential eruptions. The area is equipped with sophisticated tools for real-time data collection, enabling scientists to track movements and changes that may indicate imminent volcanic activity.
Chadwick mentioned that despite efforts to predict the timing of the next eruption based on inflation thresholds, the slowing inflation rate has made forecasting challenging. There are two aspects to forecasting: one is determining if the volcano will erupt upon reaching the inflation threshold, and the other is predicting the timing of the eruption. Chadwick noted that the volcano is almost fully reinflated, reducing ambiguity about the timing. In recent years, the inflation rate and earthquake activity have increased, indicating a possible upcoming eruption by the end of 2025. Despite uncertainties, Chadwick remains cautious in making predictions based on seismic activity and inflation rates. The eruption of the Axial Seamount, located off the U.S. West Coast, is not expected to trigger tsunamis or subduction earthquakes, as it is a slow and non-hazardous process. The volcano provides a unique opportunity for studying volcanic activity and understanding how eruptions occur, making it a valuable natural laboratory.
The undersea volcano located off the West Coast could potentially erupt in the near future. However, the question remains: should you take steps to prepare for a catastrophic event? This kind of study delves into the likelihood and potential impact of such an eruption, providing valuable insights for those concerned about the volcano’s activity.
