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Economic Times
7 hours ago
- Science
- Economic Times
Underwater giant off U.S. coast shows signs of new eruption, scientists say
The Axial Seamount, a massive underwater volcano off Oregon's coast, may soon erupt again. Known as the region's most active submarine volcano, , it last erupted in 2015. Experts say the event poses no coastal threat but gives a rare opportunity to examine the seafloor changes, hydrothermal vents, and unique deep-sea microbial life thriving in extreme conditions. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A Volcano on a Schedule Why It Matters Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Earth's Most Watched Submarine Volcano FAQs: Deep in the Pacific Ocean, about 300 miles west of Oregon's shoreline, a giant submarine volcano is drawing close attention from scientists. Known as the Axial Seamount , this massive feature lies nearly a mile below the surface and has shown signs gearing up for another Axial Seamount has a well-documented history of volcanic eruptions. Since scientists' monitoring began, it has erupted in 1998, 2011, and 2015 roughly every decade. Now, experts are tracing the site and believe mounting pressure beneath the seafloor cites that a new eruption could occur within the coming Chadwick, a volcanologist at Oregon State University, explained that the seafloor instruments have detected the volcano inflating steadily. This 'ballooning' is caused by magma pooling beneath the crust, forcing the surface upward. At the same time, thousands of small earthquakes have rippled through the area, a clear indicator that molten rock is on the move through underground volcano eruptions on the land, Axial's activity poses little direct threat to people. At 4,800 feet beneath the ocean, any eruption would stay confined to the seafloor. Experts highlight that the event would not trigger tsunamis or pose risks to coastal the scientific value is enormous. Each eruption gives rare insight into how the planet recycles material through the ocean floor. New lava flows reshape the seabed, new vents release mineral-rich fluids, and hydrothermal activity sustains microbial life. Some specialized microbes thrive in extreme conditions using iron or sulfur for energy and may hold answers about how life first emerged on makes Axial Seamount unique is its extensive monitoring system. Through the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative, cables and instruments track seismic processes, temperature change, and pressure shifts in real time. This stage of detail makes Axial Seamount one of the most intensely observed volcanoes anywhere in the world.A1. It is an active submarine volcano located along the Juan de Fuca Ridge in the northeast Pacific.A2. The Axial Seamount sits nearly a mile beneath the Pacific Ocean's surface.
Economic Times
a day ago
- Science
- Economic Times
An underwater volcano, shaking with 1,000 tiny tremors every day, could erupt soon. Here's what scientists are saying
TIL Creatives AI generated image: The Axial Seamount has erupted several times in the past, with its most recent events taking place in 1998, 2011, and 2015. An underwater volcano off the Oregon coast in the US is showing strong signs that it may erupt soon. Known as the Axial Seamount, this submarine shield volcano lies nearly a mile beneath the Pacific Ocean's surface and about 300 miles offshore, along the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The Axial Seamount has erupted several times in the past, with its most recent events taking place in 1998, 2011, and 2015. Scientists now believe it could erupt again before the end of 2025. The seafloor around the volcano has begun to swell, a signal that was also observed before the 2015 eruption. In addition, the area is experiencing a surge in seismic activity, with more than a thousand small earthquakes recorded each day. According to Forbes, these warning signs suggest that 'something big could be brewing under the sea.' Monitoring the Axial Seamount is possible thanks to the Ocean Observatories Initiative's Regional Cabled Array, a high-tech network that provides real-time data, video, and high-resolution imagery. Researchers consider it the most closely observed patch of seafloor in the world. Although the volcano may erupt soon, experts say the eruption poses little risk to people on land. Its underwater location means there is no danger of a tsunami or earthquake being triggered. Still, the eruption is of great scientific importance. Studying volcanic activity at mid-ocean ridges could improve forecasts for eruptions of land-based volcanoes, which pose much greater risks to human life. Researchers are also interested in how hydrothermal vent ecosystems recover after being buried by lava. This work could provide insights into deep-sea mining and help make such operations more cost-effective in the future.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
An underwater volcano, shaking with 1,000 tiny tremors every day, could erupt soon. Here's what scientists are saying
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel An underwater volcano off the Oregon coast in the US is showing strong signs that it may erupt soon. Known as the Axial Seamount , this submarine shield volcano lies nearly a mile beneath the Pacific Ocean's surface and about 300 miles offshore, along the Juan de Fuca Axial Seamount has erupted several times in the past, with its most recent events taking place in 1998, 2011, and 2015. Scientists now believe it could erupt again before the end of 2025. The seafloor around the volcano has begun to swell, a signal that was also observed before the 2015 eruption. In addition, the area is experiencing a surge in seismic activity , with more than a thousand small earthquakes recorded each day. According to Forbes, these warning signs suggest that 'something big could be brewing under the sea.'Monitoring the Axial Seamount is possible thanks to the Ocean Observatories Initiative's Regional Cabled Array, a high-tech network that provides real-time data, video, and high-resolution imagery. Researchers consider it the most closely observed patch of seafloor in the the volcano may erupt soon, experts say the eruption poses little risk to people on land. Its underwater location means there is no danger of a tsunami or earthquake being the eruption is of great scientific importance. Studying volcanic activity at mid-ocean ridges could improve forecasts for eruptions of land-based volcanoes, which pose much greater risks to human life. Researchers are also interested in how hydrothermal vent ecosystems recover after being buried by lava. This work could provide insights into deep-sea mining and help make such operations more cost-effective in the future.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
This underwater volcano is giving 1000 tremors every day and might erupt in 2025
Earth gives us some rare opportunities to get a glimpse of what's actually happening inside its deep and dynamic core, and one such moment is happening deep beneath the Pacific Ocean. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Under miles of water, lies a submarine volcano quietly gearing up for what could be its next eruption. While this event may not be noticeable on the land, it holds a significant scientific value. The underwater volcano that could erupt soon About 300 miles away and nearly a mile beneath the surface and off the coast of Oregon is an Axial Seamount, a submarine shield volcano that has erupted in 1998, 2011, and 2015. According to the American Geophysical Union, another eruption may happen before the end of 2025. Axial sits along the Juan de Fuca Ridge, where two tectonic plates, the Juan de Fuca and Pacific, are pulling apart. This, along with its geologic hotspot origin, makes it unique and active. Location of Axial Seamount (Photo: Wikimedia commons) What makes this special to the scientists This Axial Seamount is fitted with a vast undersea network of the Ocean Observatories Initiative's Regional Cabled Array, which provides real-time data, video, and high-resolution images via fiber-optic cables stretching from the Oregon coast to the volcano summit. Researchers call this the most monitored patch of seafloor in the world, according to Forbes. This observatory has already allowed scientists to get a glimpse of the past eruptions live and study seismic changes and magma build-up beforehand. How do the scientists infer the possible eruption Scientists believe the Axial Seamount could erupt soon because of two major signs. First, the seafloor around the volcano has started to swell, reaching levels similar to what was seen right before its last eruption in 2015. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Second, there's been a big increase in small earthquakes, over 1,000 tiny tremors a day, as magma moves and builds pressure beneath the surface. According to Forbes, these clues suggest that something big could be brewing under the sea. Will this eruption impact the people on the land? Although powerful, this volcano lies far underwater, so there's minimal danger to land, and no risk of a tsunami or earthquake triggered by its eruptions. Scientists are eager to capture the eruption because it could reveal new information about volcanic behavior at mid-ocean ridges and, potentially, inform forecasts for dangerous land volcanoes. How will this impact the ecosystems? Eruptions at Axial highly disrupt hydrothermal vent ecosystems, but studies have shown life bounces back surprisingly fast. Scientists hope to see how microbial and animal life returns after being buried by lava, which could be helpful in making deep-sea mining budget-friendly and economical.
Sustainability Times
12-08-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
"They Saw 200 Sharks Swarming Lava Vent": Scientists Warn Underwater Volcano Near Oregon Could Erupt And Devastate Pacific Marine Life
IN A NUTSHELL 🌋 The Axial Seamount is an underwater volcano off the Oregon coast, expected to erupt before the year ends. is an underwater volcano off the Oregon coast, expected to erupt before the year ends. 🔬 Scientists use the Ocean Observatories Initiative to monitor volcanic activity with over 140 instruments. to monitor volcanic activity with over 140 instruments. 🐠 Hydrothermal vents created by the eruption provide nutrients, supporting a unique marine ecosystem based on chemical energy. based on chemical energy. 📊 Research on Axial Seamount enhances understanding of volcanic forecasting and its impact on marine life. An impending underwater eruption is capturing the attention of scientists and marine enthusiasts alike. The Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano located approximately 300 miles off the coast of Oregon, is anticipated to erupt before the year concludes. Lying a mile beneath the ocean's surface, this volcano has erupted three times over the past three decades, with the last eruption occurring in 2015. While its remote location shields humans from direct impacts, the seismic activity and resulting hydrothermal vents significantly influence marine ecosystems. This unique geological event presents an opportunity to enhance our understanding of underwater volcanic activity. Understanding the Axial Seamount Axial Seamount, a prominent underwater volcano, has been a focal point for scientific research due to its regular activity and accessibility for observation. Situated in the Pacific Ocean, this volcano's caldera is mapped using advanced technology, allowing scientists to monitor changes in its structure over time. The seamount's location, far from human habitation, makes it an ideal natural laboratory for studying volcanic processes without immediate risk to human life. Bill Chadwick, a research associate at Oregon State University, has been at the forefront of forecasting the seamount's eruptions. His research focuses on the cycles of inflation and deflation that precede volcanic eruptions. As magma accumulates beneath the seafloor, it causes the ground to swell, much like a balloon inflating. This predictable pattern has allowed scientists to anticipate eruptions, though the specific timing remains uncertain. Chadwick's work builds on past successes and acknowledges the inherent uncertainties in volcanic forecasting. 'China Just Punched A 10-Kilometer Scar Into Earth': Engineers Hunt Ancient Cretaceous Secrets Beneath Crushing Heat And Rock Pressure The Role of Hydrothermal Vents One of the most fascinating aspects of underwater volcanic activity is the formation of hydrothermal vents. These vents, akin to hot springs on the ocean floor, release superheated water and minerals into the surrounding environment. As seawater percolates through cracks in the volcanic rock, it is heated to over 700 degrees Fahrenheit, creating plumes of black smoke rich in nutrients. These nutrient-rich vents form the basis of a unique ecosystem, where microbes thrive on the chemical reactions occurring in the vent fluids. These microbes, in turn, support a diverse array of marine life, from symbiotic relationships to predator-prey dynamics. The ecosystem surrounding hydrothermal vents is distinct from those found in sunlit waters, relying on chemical energy instead of sunlight for sustenance. The eruption of Axial Seamount is expected to alter the vent landscape, temporarily disrupting, but ultimately rejuvenating, these underwater communities. 'NASA Just Armed A Rocket On Mars': Historic First Launch Set To Blast Off From Red Planet's Surface For Return To Earth Monitoring and Forecasting Volcanic Activity Monitoring the Axial Seamount involves a sophisticated network of sensors and instruments, collectively known as the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). Funded by the National Science Foundation, the OOI employs over 140 pieces of equipment, including pressure sensors, to detect changes in the seamount's activity. These instruments are connected by an extensive cable system, transmitting data from the seafloor to researchers onshore. The ability to forecast volcanic eruptions months or even years in advance is a significant scientific achievement. While predicting eruptions days or hours ahead is more common, the remote location and comprehensive monitoring capabilities of Axial Seamount enable long-term forecasting efforts. Chadwick describes this as a safe environment for experimentation, where false alarms do not pose immediate threats to human safety or economic activities. This ongoing research contributes to the global understanding of underwater volcanic activity. Scientists Warn 'These Ice Quakes Could Shatter' After Detecting Mysterious Deep Tremors In Greenland's Frozen Rivers Implications for Marine Life and Future Research The eruption of Axial Seamount, while a natural phenomenon, holds significant implications for marine life. The disruption of hydrothermal vents can lead to temporary habitat loss for some species, while others may benefit from the changing landscape. Understanding these ecological dynamics is crucial for marine conservation efforts and provides insight into how life adapts to extreme environments. Future research will continue to focus on refining forecasting techniques and exploring the long-term impacts of underwater volcanic activity on marine ecosystems. As scientists strive to unravel the complexities of these natural events, questions remain about the factors influencing eruption patterns and the resilience of vent communities. The Axial Seamount serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet and the intricate connections between geological and biological processes. The anticipated eruption of the Axial Seamount highlights the intricate interplay between geological activity and marine ecosystems. As researchers continue to monitor and study this underwater volcano, they seek to answer fundamental questions about the processes driving volcanic eruptions and their impact on marine life. How will advancements in technology and scientific understanding further enhance our ability to predict and mitigate the effects of these natural phenomena? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (25)
