Underwater volcano Axial Seamount poised for eruption by 2025
Scientists are warning about a potential eruption of the Axial Seamount, predicting it might occur before the end of 2025. Axial is one of the most closely monitored underwater volcanoes in the world.
The Axial Seamount is situated approximately 290 miles off the coast of Oregon. According to scientists, it might erupt as soon as this year. Experts observing this underwater shield volcano have detected increased seismic activity, suggesting an eruption could be imminent.
Seismic activity
Axial Seamount is among the best-monitored volcanoes globally. Advanced sensor systems track hundreds of minor earthquakes daily and the uplift of the ocean floor, both of which indicate magma accumulation. Similar phenomena were observed before the eruptions in 1998, 2011, and 2015.
Experts, including Bill Chadwick, a volcanologist, and Scott Nooner, a geophysicist from the University of North Carolina, as reported by ScienceAlert.com, are convinced that it's only a matter of months until lava surfaces again.
Human safety
Scientists unanimously reassure the public that the situation does not pose a threat to humans. Axial Seamount is located far enough from land and is deep enough that it is not dangerous. Prof. Scott Nooner from the University of North Carolina told ABC News that even if someone were sailing over the eruption site, they likely wouldn't notice the volcanic activity beneath.
However, the eruption could impact the marine ecosystem and alter the geological structure of the ocean floor, releasing biological substances into the water. This might create conditions fostering the development of new life forms, illustrating that destruction can also signify the beginning of something new. Scientists are eager to observe this phenomenon.
