Seismic watch: Axial Seamount poised for 2025 eruption
Scientists warn of a potential eruption of the Axial Seamount volcano, which they believe could occur before the end of 2025. Axial is among the most well-monitored structures of its type globally.
The Axial Seamount volcano is situated about 470 kilometres off the coast of Oregon. According to scientists, it might erupt this year. Experts monitoring this underwater shield volcano have observed an increase in seismic activity, indicating 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 the uplift of the ocean floor, a sign of magma accumulation. Similar phenomena were recorded prior to 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 cited by Sciencealert.com, are convinced that it's only a matter of months until lava surfaces again.
Human safety
Scientists unanimously reassure, however, that the situation does not threaten human safety. Axial Seamount is situated 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 realise a volcano is erupting beneath them.
However, the eruption could impact the marine ecosystem and alter the geological structure of the ocean floor, releasing biological substances. This might create conditions for the development of new forms of life, demonstrating that destruction can be the beginning of something new. Scientists are excited about the possibility of observing this phenomenon.
