Axial Seamount's seismic stirrings hint at 2025 eruption
Scientists are warning of a potential eruption of the Axial Seamount volcano, which they believe could occur before the end of 2025. Axial is one of the most well-monitored volcanic structures globally.
The Axial Seamount is situated about 467 kilometres off the coast of Oregon. According to scientists, it could erupt this year. Experts monitoring this underwater shield volcano have noticed an increase in seismic activity, suggesting an imminent eruption.
Seismic activity
Axial Seamount is one of the best-monitored volcanoes in the world. Advanced sensor systems record hundreds of minor earthquakes daily and an uplift in the ocean floor, indicating the accumulation of magma. 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 noted by Sciencealert.com, are convinced that it's only a matter of months until lava surfaces again.
Human safety
Scientists, however, unanimously reassure us that the situation does not pose a threat to humans. Axial Seamount is located deep and far enough from land 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 wouldn't notice a volcano is erupting underneath.
However, the eruption could impact the marine ecosystem and alter the ocean floor's geological structure, releasing biological substances into the water. This might create conditions for the development of new forms of life, demonstrating that destruction can lead to creation. Scientists are excited about the possibility of observing this phenomenon.
