Experts Forecast Eruption of Underwater Volcano Near Oregon Coast

A potential eruption of an underwater volcano located 300 miles off the Oregon coast could occur later this year, according to recent predictions from scientists.

The volcano, known as Axial Seamount, lies more than 4,900 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. It is signaling signs of impending eruption, marking the first major activity since 2015.

Understanding Axial Seamount’s Formation

Axial Seamount is formed by a geological feature known as a hot spot. This occurrence happens in the Earth’s mantle, where hot plumes of molten material rise into the crust, as explained in an April blog post by the University of Washington’s College of the Environment. As tectonic plates move over these stationary hot spots, they create long chains of volcanoes over time.

According to Maya Tolstoy, a marine geophysicist and dean at the College of the Environment, over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface results from volcanic eruptions occurring at mid-ocean ridges. Tolstoy emphasizes that Axial Seamount represents ongoing fundamental processes that continue to shape our planet.

No Immediate Threat to Coastal Residents

While scientists anticipate geological activity, they assert that the eruption poses no immediate danger to people living along the Oregon coast. The depth and distance of Axial Seamount make it unlikely that residents will be aware of any eruption events.

The blog post reassures Pacific Northwesterners that an eruption at Axial Seamount does not correlate with seismic activity on land. Thus, there is no fear of triggering a significant earthquake or tsunami.

Signs of an Imminent Eruption

The initial indication of an eruption will likely be a sharp increase in the frequency of earthquakes surrounding the volcano. Deborah Kelley, a professor at the University of Washington’s School of Oceanography and director of the Regional Cabled Array, notes that the volcanic structure has already surpassed the inflation observed in 2015. However, she adds that current earthquake activity remains relatively low.

Recent observations record between 200 to 300 earthquakes daily, with occasional spikes reaching around 1,000 earthquakes per day due to tidal influences. Kelley expects that if patterns from 2015 hold true, the number may exceed 2,000 quakes daily for several months leading up to the eruption.

What Causes the Earthquakes?

These earthquakes are a result of magma moving toward the surface, as indicated in the University of Washington’s report. William Wilcock, a professor at the same institution, explains that this movement of magma lasts about an hour before reaching the surface.

During an actual eruption, lava flows will spread across the caldera, and fissures may open up to the north or south, extending as far as 40 kilometers, or approximately 25 miles.

Duration and Aftermath of Eruption Activity

Wilcock anticipates that seismic activity will decrease significantly in the following days after the initial eruption but indicates that the volcanic activity could continue gradually for about a month.

Experts remain vigilant in monitoring Axial Seamount, using advanced technology to track its movements and seismic activity. Although eruptions are natural phenomena, increased awareness and scientific observation remain paramount for understanding their potential impacts.

This eruption prediction highlights the importance of ongoing research into underwater volcanoes and their complex behaviors. As scientists continue their work, they emphasize the necessity of communication with the public about potential volcanic events, regardless of their distance from land.

Implications for Future Research

The anticipated eruption of Axial Seamount represents not only a geological event but also an opportunity for further research. Continuous study of such underwater volcanic systems can provide insights into their impacts on ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and global geological processes.

By monitoring the precursors to volcanic activity, researchers can refine their models for predicting future eruptions. Such information is critical for enhancing preparedness measures in coastal regions, should underwater volcanic activity ever pose a risk.

In summary, while the eruption of Axial Seamount may not pose immediate hazards, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet. These events reinforce the need for awareness and preparedness, as well as continued scientific inquiry into the forces shaping Earth.